American Missionary Tests Positive for Bundibugyo Ebola as 6 Others Move to Germany
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 18
American Missionary Tests Positive for Bundibugyo Ebola as 6 Others Move to Germany
12 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 18
A U.S. medical missionary who worked at Nyankunde Hospital in Congo tested positive late Sunday for Bundibugyo Ebola after developing symptoms over the weekend.
CDC said the patient was exposed in Congo and is being transferred to Germany for treatment, while six other high-risk contacts are also being moved there for monitoring or care.
Serge, the Christian missionary group, said the infected doctor’s wife, four young children and another doctor colleague are under observation and being taken to specialized medical care.
WHO over the weekend declared the Congo-Uganda outbreak a global health emergency; nearly 400 suspected cases and at least 105 suspected deaths have been reported in Congo, while Uganda has 2 confirmed cases and 1 death.
The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, has caused only 2 prior known outbreaks, and carried fatality rates of 30% to 50%; CDC said the risk to the U.S. remains low.
If US risk is low, why did the government enact a sweeping travel ban on three African nations?
This Ebola strain was discovered two decades ago. Why is there still no vaccine?
As an American is flown to Germany, what hope is there for the hundreds of victims left behind in Congo?
Bundibugyo Ebola Virus 2026: Public Health Emergency, International Coordination, and the Search for Solutions
Overview
As of May 18, 2026, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is a serious public health emergency, but the risk to the United States remains low. In response, the CDC has issued a new order under Title 42, blocking foreign travelers who have recently visited affected countries from entering the U.S. The CDC is also actively supporting international containment efforts by deploying staff to the outbreak’s epicenter and advising travelers to avoid contact with sick individuals and follow strict health guidelines. Additionally, countries are preparing to evacuate and monitor exposed health workers, highlighting the importance of quarantine protocols and coordinated global action.