Details on Ebola outbreak as Americans urged to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
CBS News
Last updated: May 20, 2026
The U.S. State Department has issued a strong travel advisory, urging Americans to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks. This advisory is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting U.S. citizens from potential exposure to the deadly virus in regions experiencing significant health crises.
- The U.S. government is recommending that citizens avoid all travel to these three East African nations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified these countries as having high levels of Ebola transmission. The advisory highlights the serious risk of contracting the virus and the limited healthcare infrastructure available in these areas to manage the outbreak effectively. U.S. citizens currently in these countries are advised to depart immediately if possible, while also taking necessary precautions to avoid exposure. The State Department emphasizes that the situation is fluid and further updates may be issued as conditions change. This proactive measure aims to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of American citizens abroad.