CDC

Ebola outbreak in DRC prompts CDC advisory for U.S. clinicians

September 19, 2025

On September 18, 2025, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory regarding a new Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically in the Kasai Province. The outbreak, declared by the DRC Ministry of Health on September 4, involves the Zaire strain of Ebola virus. CDC emphasizes that no cases have been reported outside the DRC, and the risk to the U.S. remains low.

As of the advisory date, 37 confirmed cases and 19 deaths (including four healthcare workers) have been reported, with a case fatality rate of 51%. The index case was a pregnant woman who died of multi-organ failure. CDC recommends clinicians obtain detailed travel histories from patients with compatible symptoms and follow biosafety protocols for specimen handling.

While the outbreak is geographically contained, U.S. healthcare providers should remain vigilant. Prompt recognition, isolation, and reporting of suspected EVD cases – especially in patients with recent travel to affected areas – are critical to preventing potential spread. No additional traveler monitoring is currently advised beyond existing viral hemorrhagic fever guidance.

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, Sept. 18). Health Alert Network: Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CDCHAN-00524). Retrieved from http://cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00524.html