Situation summary
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola . In neighboring Uganda, health authorities confirmed 2 cases of Ebola disease in people who had traveled from DRC. A case of Ebola disease was identified in Goma, a large city in DRC several hundred miles from the main outbreak location in Ituri province.
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. A complex international response is underway to investigate the scope of the outbreak and implement treatment and control measures. As of May 21 there no suspected, probable, or confirmed Ebola cases related to this outbreak reported in the United States. Please see the CDC Health Advisory for more information.
Actions requested
- Contact your local health department immediately if you suspect Ebola disease or with any questions about returning travelers. Testing for Ebola, including the Bundibugyo virus, can be performed at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory.
- Consult with travel advisories pages for the CDC and State Department for current travel recommendations and restrictions.
We are monitoring this situation with the Washington State Department of Health. We will share updates and additional guidance if needed.
Contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services at 360-778-6100- 360-778-6100 Main Call Line – available M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- Afterhours Answering Service – available after 4:30pm and weekends, call 360-778-6100 and press 2 to be connected to the on-call manager or health officer.
- 360-778-6150 Communicable Disease Report Line – 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- 360-778-6103 Confidential Communicable Disease Fax – 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- 509 Girard Street, Bellingham WA 98225