Africa – East African countries have mobilized their medical and security resources, intensifying health screening procedures at international airports and tightening controls at land and sea borders. This extensive regional mobilization followed the World Health Organization’s official declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda. The WHO described the situation as a “public health emergency of international concern,” its highest level of global health alert. This sudden declaration has raised serious concerns about travel and the impact of the measures on one of Africa’s busiest tourist destinations. These concerns coincide with the start of the summer safari season.
Kenya raises alert level amid fears of “Bundibugyo” strain
Kenya, home to East Africa’s largest aviation hub and a major gateway for millions of tourists heading to the Masai Mara reserves, the beaches of Zanzibar, and the gorilla trails of Rwanda, announced heightened health screenings at its airports and border crossings. This was intended to reassure travelers. Kenya confirmed that no cases of Ebola have been recorded within its borders to date. The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, is centered in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in Ituri province and parts of North Kivu.
According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization, published between May 17 and 21, 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo reported more than 500 suspected cases, including dozens of confirmed cases and approximately 130 to 140 deaths.
In contrast, Ugandan authorities have identified two confirmed cases in the capital, Kampala (one of which resulted in death), both linked to direct travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Adding to international concern is the relatively rapid spread of the disease in hard-to-reach areas affected by armed conflict. This complicates the efforts of medical response teams. Furthermore, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this particular strain.
Regional tourism between recession and federal containment measures
In the tourism sector, the countries most directly affected (the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda) faced severe disruptions. The US State Department quickly issued Level 4 travel warnings for these countries and Level 3 warnings for neighboring Rwanda. This prompted tour operators to cancel or modify safari and gorilla trekking itineraries.
In the rest of East Africa, such as Kenya and Tanzania, popular destinations like the Serengeti remained fully open. Measures were limited to strict thermal screening. However, concerns and media coverage led to some cancellations and hesitation among customers. This dynamic has been repeated in previous crises, stemming from a narrow view that reduces the vast continent of Africa to a single entity.
For their part, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) advised against imposing blanket bans on travel and trade or closing borders outside of affected areas.
Officials warned that imposing strict restrictions could drive citizens to use uncontrolled land crossings, undermining efforts to contain the virus and negatively impacting the regional economy.
Experts emphasized that the risk of international travelers contracting the virus remains very low unless they visit active outbreak areas. Travelers are currently advised to regularly check updated travel advisories. They should also avoid border hotspots and strictly adhere to personal hygiene practices. Monitoring for any symptoms is also recommended for 21 days after leaving the affected area.
