Trump Addresses Ebola Outbreak In DRC
US President Donald Trump said onMay 18,2026 that he is concerned about the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but believes the virus has not spread to the United States. Speaking at the White House after an American working in the DRC was infected, Trump said the situation appears to be confined to Africa for now, while acknowledging that the outbreak remains a serious public health concern.
CDC Expands Ebola Travel Screening
The United States is increasing precautions as health officials respond to the Ebola outbreak DRC situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced enhanced screening for air travelers arriving from affected regions, along with temporary limits on some visa services. The measures were introduced after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a global health emergency.
American Worker Infected In Congo
WHO said the first currently known suspected case was a health worker who developed symptoms..
Health officials confirmed that an American in the DRC contracted Ebola after occupational exposure. Satish Pillai, the Ebola response incident manager, said the patient developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive late Sunday. Officials are working to evacuate the patient to Germany for advanced treatment, while six additional people are being prepared for evacuation and monitoring as a precaution.
US Public Risk Remains Low
The CDC said the immediate risk to the general US public remains low, but added that public health measures may change as more information becomes available. About 25 US personnel are currently working in the CDC’s DRC field office, with additional technical staff being deployed to support the response. The agency said it will continue monitoring the outbreak, traveler screening, and possible exposure risks.
Visa Restrictions Target Recent Travelers
New entry restrictions apply to non-US passport holders who recently traveled to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, has temporarily suspended visa services and notified affected applicants. The restrictions are intended to reduce the chance of Ebola spreading through international travel while officials assess the evolving outbreak.
