Current Risk Assessment
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Who Is at Elevated Risk in the U.S.
While the general public faces low risk, the following groups warrant heightened awareness:
- Travelers returning from DRC Ituri Province within the past 21 days — particularly anyone with potential exposure to sick individuals, healthcare settings, or deceased persons in the affected area
- Healthcare workers treating patients with recent travel to outbreak-affected regions who present with compatible symptoms
- Laboratory workers handling specimens from patients with possible viral hemorrhagic fever
- Humanitarian aid workers and journalists who have been operating in the outbreak zone
If you fall into any of these categories and develop fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding within 21 days of returning, isolate yourself and call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic. Inform them of your travel history immediately.
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History of Ebola Cases in the United States
All confirmed Ebola cases treated in the United States occurred during the 2014–16 West Africa epidemic. No other outbreak has resulted in U.S. cases.
2014–2016: The West Africa Epidemic Response
During the largest Ebola outbreak in history, approximately 11 people were evaluated and treated for Ebola in the United States. All were either Americans who contracted the virus while working in West Africa (medical volunteers, missionaries, aid workers) or healthcare workers who were infected during treatment of an index patient in Dallas.
The 1989 Reston Incident
Ebola Reston — a strain of Ebola virus — was discovered in imported crab-eating macaques at a primate research facility in Reston, Virginia in 1989. Ebola Reston infected several workers but caused no human illness, establishing that this strain is non-pathogenic to people. It was the first Ebola virus identified outside Africa and was dramatized in Richard Preston's book The Hot Zone.
U.S. Preparedness Infrastructure
The U.S. response to the 2014–16 epidemic revealed critical gaps that drove the development of a more robust national preparedness system.
🏥 Regional Ebola Treatment Centers
The CDC designates Regional Ebola and Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) nationwide. These facilities have:
- Purpose-built negative-pressure isolation rooms
- Trained teams with regular Ebola PPE drills
- Dedicated waste management protocols
- 24/7 on-call Ebola response teams
Leading centers include Emory University Hospital (Atlanta), Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha), NIH Clinical Center (Bethesda), and Bellevue Hospital (New York City).
✈️ Airport Entry Screening
During active outbreaks with U.S. travel exposure, the CDC implements enhanced entry screening at major airports:
- Temperature screening via contactless thermometers
- Exposure history questionnaires
- Referral of symptomatic travelers for evaluation
- 21-day self-monitoring guidance for all travelers from affected regions
CDC quarantine stations operate at 20 U.S. airports and 2 land border crossings.
📋 Reporting & Coordination
If a U.S. healthcare provider suspects Ebola in a patient:
- Contact your state or local health department immediately
- Call the CDC Emergency Operations Center: (770) 488-7100 (24/7)
- The state health department coordinates specimen collection, testing authorization, and patient transport to a designated treatment center if needed
- Ebola is a nationally notifiable disease — all suspected cases must be reported
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Ebola in the United States right now?
As of May 2026, no Ebola cases have been reported in the United States during the current 2026 DRC Ituri Province outbreak. The CDC assesses the risk to the general U.S. public as low. Entry screening is in place at major airports for travelers from affected regions.
How many Americans have gotten Ebola?
During the 2014–16 epidemic, approximately 11 people were treated for Ebola in the United States. Two died: Thomas Eric Duncan and Martin Salia. All other U.S.-treated patients — including nurses Nina Pham and Amber Vinson, Dr. Kent Brantly, Nancy Writebol, and Dr. Craig Spencer — survived. No other outbreak has resulted in U.S. cases.
Which U.S. hospitals can treat Ebola?
The CDC designates Regional Ebola and Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) with specialized isolation facilities and trained staff. Leading centers include Emory University Hospital (Atlanta), Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha), NIH Clinical Center (Bethesda), and Bellevue Hospital (New York City). If Ebola is suspected, do not self-transport to any hospital — contact your state health department or CDC EOC at (770) 488-7100 first.
Does the U.S. have airport screening for Ebola?
Yes. The CDC implements entry screening at U.S. airports with flights from affected regions during active outbreaks. Screening includes temperature checks and health questionnaires. All travelers returning from outbreak-affected areas should self-monitor for 21 days and call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care if symptoms develop.
Self-Monitoring Essentials
For travelers returning from Ebola-affected regions. The 21-day monitoring window requires twice-daily temperature checks.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EbolaQuestions.com earns from qualifying purchases. These are general preparedness recommendations, not medical advice.
Contactless Infrared Thermometer
Fever ≥38°C (100.4°F) is the primary indicator used in airport screening and the first Ebola symptom to watch for. Twice-daily temperature checks with a contactless thermometer are the standard self-monitoring protocol for the 21-day post-exposure window.
Shop Thermometers →Zacurate Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Oxygen saturation drops significantly as Ebola progresses. A pulse oximeter provides an objective early-warning indicator — useful for the daily self-monitoring protocol during the post-exposure window and for household members monitoring a potentially exposed family member.
Shop Pulse Oximeters →Ready America 72-Hour Emergency Kit (2-Person)
FEMA and American Red Cross recommended emergency kit covering 2 people for 72 hours — the standard U.S. preparedness window for any public health emergency. Includes food, water, first aid, emergency blankets, and a portable backpack. Essential preparedness for any household during a PHEIC event.
Shop on Amazon →Hand Sanitizer — WHO Formula (Travel Size)
WHO-recommended alcohol-based hand rub (70% isopropyl or 80% ethanol). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively inactivate Ebola virus. An essential supply for the 21-day monitoring period — especially before and after any healthcare visit or contact with returning travelers.
Shop Hand Sanitizer →Related Topics
Travel Risk
CDC Level 3 advisory for DRC Ituri Province — travel precautions.
Read more →Symptoms
What to watch for during the 21-day monitoring window.
Read more →Prevention
Hand hygiene, PPE, and barrier precautions that prevent Ebola.
Read more →2026 Outbreak
Active DRC outbreak details — novel variant, PHEIC status.
Read more →