Outbreak Resources
Ebola Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
In May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses, known as orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus), that can cause serious illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. Common signs and symptoms include fever, aches, and fatigue. Symptoms progress to diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
Hantavirus Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
Last updated May 2026
In May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an outbreak of Andes virus (a specific species of hantavirus found mostly in Argentina and Chile with, on average, 120 cases per year) aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, the MV Hondius. Infection is primarily acquired through direct contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. While uncommon, human-to-human transmission has been documented in previous outbreaks involving the Andes virus. Andes virus causes Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). Following an incubation period of 1-8 weeks (median 2 weeks), a prodrome phase is characterized by fever, myalgias, back pain, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
H5N1 Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
Human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection have been reported in the United States. Providers should consider the possibility of H5N1 in patients who had contact with potentially infected sick or dead animals in the past week and show the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, fatigue, eye redness (or conjunctivitis), and/or shortness of breath.
Mpox Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
Since January 2023, there have been a total of 12,569 suspected Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a case fatality rate of 4.6%. This current outbreak in the DRC has been classified as Clade I, formerly known as the Congo Basin or Central African clade. This clade is known to be more severe with higher transmission rates, increased virulence, and greater potential for complications. NETEC and the Region 2 RESPTC offer a variety of resources and services to support facilities with this response.