The U.S. Department of State published a May 23 update on its Ebola response, confirming round-the-clock consular support for Americans directly affected in outbreak zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A dedicated hotline connects citizens with guidance on medical care, travel options and security conditions.
Embassy personnel in Kinshasa coordinated with CDC teams and local health ministries to track U.S. nationals residing or working in eastern provinces. The advisory urged deferral of nonessential travel to areas with active transmission.
Consular officers said staffing has been surged to handle increased inquiries since the Bundibugyo outbreak expanded into Uganda. Families of aid workers and missionaries represent a significant share of callers seeking repatriation advice.
The May 23 release confirmed 24/7 availability of consular assistance for Americans encountering outbreak-related disruptions in DRC. State Department officials said the hotline supplements routine embassy services with specialized guidance aligned with CDC travel and health advisories.
The State Department’s May 23 Ebola update confirmed a 24/7 consular hotline for Americans affected in DRC outbreak zones. Embassy staff in Kinshasa coordinated with health agencies while advising U.S. citizens to defer nonessential travel to provinces with active Bundibugyo transmission.
Americans in eastern DRC outbreak areas were directed to the continuous hotline for consular guidance on medical referrals and departure options where feasible.
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Sources:
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/ebola-response-update-may-23-2026/