May 18, 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
As of May 16, the outbreak included eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in the DRC’s Ituri Province. Uganda has reported two laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death, in Kampala among individuals who had traveled from the DRC.
WHO cited concerns about possible under detection, ongoing population movement, health care-associated transmission and the lack of approved vaccines or therapeutics specific to Bundibugyo virus. The agency also noted that cross-border spread has already occurred and that neighboring countries remain at elevated risk.
AABB continues to monitor communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO related to the ongoing outbreak. CDC has not classified the current outbreak as “widespread transmission,” and the agency stated that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low.
Out of an abundance of caution, AABB contacted FDA’s Office of Blood Research and Review (OBRR), which confirmed that no action is necessary for blood collectors at this time, consistent with FDA’s 2017 Ebola guidance. OBRR will provide additional information if the situation changes, as appropriate. AABB will update member centers accordingly.
AABB’s web page, Evaluating Donors for Risk of Ebola Virus Infection, includes an Ebola toolkit, example Ebola DHQ and flowcharts, and donor education materials related to Ebola.[JL1] These resources are designed to minimize disruptions for blood collectors to address risks for EVD in blood donors in the potential event of “widespread transmission.”
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