The World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO) continues to classify the 2026 Ebola outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.<\/p>\n On Oct. 6, 2026, Kenya confirmed its first imported case<\/a> of Bundibugyo virus disease. The patient, who had traveled from DRC<\/a> through Uganda<\/a> to Nairobi, Kenya<\/a>, died after being hospitalized and isolated. Kenya’s Ministry of Health is tracing and monitoring people who may have been exposed and has emphasized that Kenya does not currently have an Ebola outbreak.<\/p>\n The developments in DRC and Kenya highlight the importance of early detection, contact tracing, infection prevention and accurate information in limiting the spread of Ebola. The outbreak is unfolding in communities already facing insecurity, displacement<\/a>, food insecurity and limited access to health care, conditions that can make it harder to identify cases quickly and provide timely care.<\/p>\n For children and families living in affected communities, Ebola can bring additional fear, disruption, and loss. World Vision is working<\/a> with health authorities and communities to promote prevention, strengthen preparedness, support vulnerable children and families, and help counter misinformation.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n [vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Give Now” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdonate.worldvision.org%2Fgive%2Fvenezuela-relief-fund|||”]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and often deadly disease in humans caused by infection with one of four ebolavirus strains: Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Taï Forest.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n On May 15, 2026, DRC officials declared a new Ebola outbreak <\/a>in the health zones of Bunia, Mongwalu, and Rwampara in Ituri Province. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly, becoming the world’s second-largest Ebola epidemic<\/a> on record, according to government data, as transmission continues to outpace efforts to contain it.<\/p>\n The outbreak is especially concerning<\/a> because it is occurring amid insecurity, population displacement, high population movement, and limited access to health services in some affected communities. These conditions can make it harder for health workers and humanitarian organizations to identify cases quickly, trace contacts, and provide timely care.<\/p>\n As of Oct. 4, 2026:<\/p>\n The situation remains fluid, and case numbers can change as authorities identify, test, and report additional cases.<\/p>\n The WHO continues to classify the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n World Vision is also working alongside health authorities and humanitarian partners to help contain the 17th outbreak and protect vulnerable children and families through hygiene promotion, infection prevention and control, child protection support, community education, and coordination with local leaders.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n Yes. On October 6, 2026, Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed the country’s first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease,<\/strong> a strain of Ebola.<\/p>\n The patient, a Kenyan citizen who had traveled from DRC through Uganda, arrived in Nairobi on Oct. 3. After developing symptoms, the patient was isolated and received medical care but died Oct. 5. A safe and dignified burial was conducted in accordance with Ebola prevention protocols.<\/p>\n Kenya’s Ministry of Health has emphasized that this is an imported case and that Kenya does not currently have an Ebola outbreak<\/a>.<\/strong> Health authorities are tracing and monitoring people who may have been exposed to prevent further transmission.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n Symptoms of Ebola virus disease include high body temperature, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and both internal and external bleeding, such as from the gums and stool.<\/p>\n It can be challenging to distinguish Ebola from other diseases, such as malaria<\/a>, typhoid fever, and meningitis. Symptoms typically appear from 2 to 21 days after contracting the disease. People who have contracted the disease can’t transmit it to others until symptoms appear.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n While there is no proven, licensed treatment for Ebola<\/a>, early symptom management and intravenous fluid hydration can improve survival rates. Ongoing research efforts are exploring potential treatments, including antiviral drugs and immunotherapies.<\/p>\n The 2026 Ituri outbreak<\/a> is especially concerning because the newly identified variant currently has no vaccine available.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n World Vision responds swiftly to Ebola outbreaks by educating affected communities, supporting healthcare workers, providing child protection and psychosocial support, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and delivering emergency relief. We aim to help communities stay safe and resilient in the face of this deadly virus. A few of our key programming areas include:<\/p>\n Community education:<\/strong> We equip communities with information about Ebola prevention, transmission, and the importance of early detection. We help raise awareness to ensure people know how to protect themselves from the virus.<\/p>\n World Vision’s Channels of Hope programming:<\/strong> We train and equip religious leaders to share accurate information about Ebola prevention and treatment, dispel myths and misconceptions, and promote safe practices within their congregations and communities. By working with these local faith leaders, who have a great deal of influence because of how much their communities trust them, World Vision seeks to enhance awareness, reduce stigmatization, and encourage early detection and treatment of Ebola cases. The collaborative approach between faith-based organizations, communities, and health agencies has played a vital role in controlling the spread of Ebola and providing support to affected individuals and families.<\/p>\n Child protection:<\/strong> We offer psychosocial support to children who may have lost family members or been affected by the outbreak. We work to keep children safe and emotionally supported.<\/p>\n Healthcare support:<\/strong> We supply healthcare workers with medical supplies, protective gear, and training so they can safely care for Ebola patients.<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n World Vision swiftly responded to the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak in Sierra Leone. We did this through a comprehensive effort to protect children and their families. With a strong focus on health and safety, awareness and prevention, safe burials, and social and economic recovery, World Vision played a crucial role in combating the epidemic. Our initiatives ranged from providing personal protective equipment and hygiene kits to launching extensive education campaigns and training local leaders on virus prevention. Through our efforts, we successfully prevented Ebola-related deaths among the children and families we supported. <\/strong>And we contributed significantly to the containment of the outbreak. Our approach encompassed immediate medical needs, long-term recovery, and community resilience.<\/p>\n When Ebola struck Sierra Leone<\/a> in 2014, World Vision was already working in 25 program areas. We were serving an estimated 58,000 children and their families. Building on 20 years of community development in Sierra Leone, we joined communities, partner agencies, and every level of government in the battle against Ebola.<\/p>\n During the emergency response, World Vision reached 1.6 million people through these and other initiatives:<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n World Vision is supporting Ebola prevention and response efforts in DRC and strengthening preparedness in Kenya, with a focus on protecting children, strengthening communities and sharing trusted health information.<\/p>\n In Kenya<\/strong>, World Vision is strengthening its preparedness and participating in government-led Ebola coordination following the country’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.<\/p>\n World Vision’s staff in Kenya are reinforcing infection-prevention measures, coordinating with health authorities and county governments, monitoring the situation, and helping align public messaging with Ministry of Health guidance. Our Channels of Hope<\/strong> approach and faith-leader networks can help communities access accurate information and reduce fear and stigma.<\/p>\n “Ebola is a frightening disease, and it is children who carry the heaviest burden: losing parents and caregivers, missing school and facing stigma in their communities,” said Gershon Mwakazi, interim national director for World Vision in Kenya.<\/p>\n “We commend the Ministry of Health for its swift confirmation and transparent communication. World Vision in Kenya stands ready to work alongside the government, county governments, faith leaders, and communities to stop this virus from spreading and to keep children safe. Fear and misinformation spread faster than the virus itself, and countering them is where our community networks can make the greatest difference.”<\/p>\n BACK TO QUESTIONS<\/a><\/p>\nEbola virus disease: Facts, FAQs, and how to help<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Fast facts: Ebola virus disease<\/h2>\n
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You can deliver hope and help
\namid emergencies.<\/h2>\nWhat is Ebola?<\/h2>\n
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What is happening with the Ebola outbreak in DRC?<\/h2>\n
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Has Ebola been reported in Kenya?<\/h2>\n
What are the symptoms of Ebola?<\/h2>\n
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Is Ebola treatable?<\/h2>\n
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How does World Vision respond to Ebola outbreaks?<\/h2>\n
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What was World Vision’s response to the Ebola outbreaks in 2014?<\/h2>\n
Health and safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Awareness and prevention<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Safe and dignified burials<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How is World Vision responding to the current Ebola outbreak?<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>How can I help Ebola survivors and people affected by viruses?<\/h2>\n