Ebola virus disease is a rare but serious viral disease that is often deadly. Outbreaks occur primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
On This Page
Current Outbreak
Location
- In May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
- The outbreak is associated with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.
- The affected areas are primarily located in eastern DRC near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan, increasing the potential for regional spread due to population movement and cross-border travel.
Public Health Measures
- No outbreak-related Ebola cases have been reported in the United States.
- The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented enhanced traveler monitoring and screening measures for people arriving from affected countries.
- The CDC has determined that the risk to the general public in the United States remains low.
More Outbreak Information
- More about the current outbreak (CDC)
- CDC Health Alert Network notice, May 19, 2026
- MS-HAN notice, May 29, 2026
- Past Ebola Outbreaks (CDC)
Questions and Answers
What is Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)?
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare but serious illness caused by infection with viruses in the orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus). Ebola can cause severe disease in humans and may be fatal if not treated promptly.What is MSDH doing to detect Ebola in Mississippi?
MSDH is in constant communication with the CDC regarding the evolving Ebola virus disease outbreak and current recommendations.MSDH receives notifications from CDC regarding travelers returning from affected areas and conducts interviews and risk assessments to evaluate travelers' health status and determine the appropriate level of monitoring during the 21-day incubation period.
In addition, MSDH provides travelers with education on the signs and symptoms of Ebola, guidance on what to do if symptoms develop, and instructions on how to contact MSDH during both business hours and after-hours situations.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads through direct contact with:- Blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola
- Objects contaminated with infected body fluids
- The body of a person who has died from Ebola
- Infected animals, including fruit bats and nonhuman primates
- A person with Ebola is not contagious until symptoms begin. Ebola is not spread through airborne transmission.
Is Ebola airborne?
No. Ebola is not spread through the air like COVID-19, measles, or influenza. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids.What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Symptoms may appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and commonly include:- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Symptoms can worsen rapidly and require immediate medical attention.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed to Ebola?
If you may have been exposed and develop symptoms:
- Isolate yourself from others.
- See our Recommendations for travelers
- Do not go directly into a clinic or emergency room without first calling MSDH first: 601‑576‑7725 during business hours, 601‑576‑7400 after hours.
Is there a vaccine for Ebola?
There is no FDA-licensed treatment for or FDA-licensed vaccine against Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus.The CDC and WHO continue to evaluate vaccination strategies as the outbreak evolves.
Can Ebola be treated?
Early supportive medical care improves survival. Treatment may include:- Fluids and electrolytes
- Oxygen support
- Blood pressure management
- Treatment of other infections and complications
How can Ebola be prevented?
Preventive measures include:- Avoiding contact with blood and body fluids of sick individuals
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Avoiding contact with deceased individuals in outbreak areas
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings
- Following CDC travel guidance
Should healthcare workers be concerned?
Healthcare workers should remain aware of current CDC guidance and routinely ask patients about recent travel history when evaluating compatible symptoms.Healthcare facilities should promptly isolate suspected cases and immediately notify MSDH as well as infection prevention staff.
Information on this page is subject to change as the outbreak investigation continues and CDC guidance is updated.
