Six Americans Exposed in DR Congo Ebola Outbreak

At least six Americans were exposed to the Ebola virus during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The outbreak has already prompted the World Health Organization to declare an international health emergency, with authorities in DR Congo reporting about 350 suspected cases and 91 deaths.

One American is believed to be showing symptoms linked to the virus, while three others reportedly experienced high-risk exposure. It remains unclear whether any of the individuals have tested positive for Ebola.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it was assisting with the “safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans who are directly affected,” though officials declined to specify the number involved.

Health officials say the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.

There have also been two confirmed Ebola cases and one death reported in Uganda, according to the CDC.

Reports indicate the US government is working to move the affected Americans from DR Congo to a secure quarantine location. Health news outlet STAT reported that the group could potentially be transported to a US military base in Germany, although this has not been officially confirmed.

During a press briefing, CDC officials declined to answer direct questions regarding the Americans reportedly exposed, but maintained that the overall risk to the United States remains low.

The US has meanwhile issued a Level Four travel advisory — its highest warning level — advising citizens not to travel to the DR Congo.

The WHO warned that the outbreak in Ituri province could become significantly larger than currently detected, with concerns over local and regional spread. However, the agency stated the situation does not yet meet the criteria for a pandemic.

Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. During the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa, more than 28,600 people were infected and 11,325 died across countries including Guinea, Sierra Leone, the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, urged communities to follow strict public health measures, especially guidelines surrounding the handling and burial of Ebola victims, as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.