2026 Ebola Outbreak in Africa: Key Facts for Business Leaders

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be an international public health emergency.

As of 20 May 2026, 390+ suspected cases and at least 105 deaths have been recorded. The disease has since crossed into Uganda, and the WHO has warned that neighbouring countries face a high risk of further spread.

What makes this outbreak particularly concerning is the strain involved. The Bundibugyo virus, unlike other Ebola variants, currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Travel restrictions

The USA

US Officials have strongly urged Americans not to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.

The “level 4” warning given for these countries indicates life-threatening risks. It signifies that the US government’s ability to provide emergency assistance would be highly limited.

The US state department has also issued a level 3 warning for Rwanda, urging travellers to reconsider their travel plans. Since the issuance of these warnings, the US has also gone a few steps further, with the following measures:

Visa Operations Suspended

Effective May 18, 2026, the U.S. Embassies in Kampala (Uganda), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Juba (South Sudan) have temporarily paused all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services. All affected applicants are being notified directly for rescheduling once operations resume.

Travel and Entry Bans

The CDC and DHS have implemented a ban preventing foreign passport holders from entering the US if they have travelled to Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. This restriction does not apply to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, military personnel, or their immediate families.

No Cancellation of Current Visas

New visas and appointments in the region are affected by these decisions, but they do not apply to or cancel currently valid, unexpired visas.

Bahrain

Bahrain has followed in the USA’s footsteps, suspending the entry of foreign travellers arriving from the ‌Democratic Republic of ​Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

The ⁠suspension is effective for 30 ‌days as from 19 May 2026.

Business impact

For businesses operating across Central and East Africa, this is a situation worth monitoring closely. Population movement, trade routes, and cross-border travel all factor into the WHO’s risk assessment for the wider region. It is also worth considering preventative measures like offering work from home opportunities to workers in those countries.

Note: The information in this article is accurate as of 21 May 2026.