October 1, 2026 — The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo now has more than 8,000 confirmed cases. That is up about a third since the start of September. US and Canadian border restrictions on recent visitors to the region are still in force.
Latest numbers
- Cases and deaths: DRC’s National Institute of Public Health reported on September 30 a total of 8,116 confirmed cases and 3,924 deaths.
- Last 24 hours: 49 new cases and 23 deaths.
- Growth: on September 1 the totals were about 6,100 cases and 2,950 deaths.
- Where: the outbreak covers seven provinces. Ituri and North Kivu have the most cases.
- CDC travel levels: CDC’s latest situation summary puts Ituri and North Kivu at Level 4, and Haut-Uele and Tshopo at Level 3.
- No vaccine: Al Jazeera reports there is no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain.
- Attack in Butembo: a local official in Butembo, North Kivu, was beaten to death after defending the Ebola response. Africa CDC warned that the outbreak threatens neighboring countries.
Entry restrictions in force
- United States: a public health order suspends entry for most non-US citizens who were in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days. US citizens and nationals are exempt. The order lists five designated airports (JFK, IAD, ATL, ORD and LAX). It runs until October 11, 2026, 4:59 p.m. EDT. Whether it will be extended is TBA.
- Canada: on September 28, IRCC extended its Ebola border measures to November 27, 2026. Foreign nationals arriving from DRC are not allowed to enter. Foreign nationals arriving from Uganda or South Sudan must quarantine for 21 days unless they are exempt.
- Canada’s travel advice: PHAC’s Level 3 notice advises against non-essential travel to the affected provinces of DRC.
What it means for airline travelers
- Avoid non-essential travel to eastern DRC. If you have a connection through the region, review your plans now.
- Check transit countries. Other countries may also restrict travelers who have recently been in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. Check the rules for every country on your route before you fly, including countries where you only connect.
- Health precautions: read CDC’s and PHAC’s Ebola guidance before you go, and talk to a travel-medicine clinic.
- Register your trip with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- Gulf Today — Ebola cases in DR Congo exceed 8,000
- Bernama — DR Congo Ebola update
- Al Jazeera — DR Congo official beaten to death after defending Ebola response is buried
- CDC (official) — Ebola situation summary
- Federal Register (official) — Order continuing the suspension of entry
- IRCC (official) — Government extends border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak
- Public Health Agency of Canada (official) — Ebola travel health notice · Border measures
