The Ebola outbreak explained 

Ebola is a rare but very serious illness caused by a virus that can make people extremely sick. Without the right care, it can be life-threatening.  

There are a few different strains (or types) of Ebola. Some have vaccines and treatments (like the Zaire strain) and others, like what we’re seeing in the current outbreak (the Bundibugyo strain) don’t yet have an approved vaccine or special treatment.  

The disease was first identified in 1976 in Central Africa, near a river called Ebola, which is where it gets its name. 

People can recover from Ebola, especially if they receive care early. But because the virus spreads through direct contact, Ebola can move quickly in communities where people are caring for loved ones who are unwell, which is why early treatment, prevention and support are so important. 

Ebola often starts with symptoms that can feel like other illnesses, such as fever, headache, tiredness and muscle pain. But it can quickly become much more serious. Within days, people may experience severe vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash, and in some cases, bleeding, seizures or organ failure. 

In past outbreaks, about half of the people who got Ebola became very sick and didn’t survive – so recognising symptoms early and getting medical care as soon as possible can save lives. 

Ebola spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is infected – like blood, urine, saliva, vomit or sweat – or by touching objects that have these fluids on them. It can also be passed on through contact with infected wild animals. 

In this outbreak, the disease is spreading in homes and health centres. People can get sick when they look after someone they love, or when families come together to say goodbye after someone dies, which is an important tradition in many communities. But without protective measures, these moments of care and connection can also increase the risk of infection. This is why clear information and safe practices are so important during an outbreak. 

For this outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. This makes prevention, early detection, and helping communities understand how it spreads even more important. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026 because of how serious and complex the situation is. 

Cases are rising and the virus has already crossed into Uganda, and challenges like conflict, displacement and limited access to healthcare within the DRC are making it harder to contain. Together, these factors increase the risk of further spread and show why urgent global action is needed. 

Unlike some past Ebola outbreaks, there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain, making it harder to control quickly. It also took time to confirm and understand what was making people unwell, which means the virus may have been spreading before people realised it was Ebola.  

The outbreak is happening in areas already affected by conflict and displacement, where health systems are stretched and reaching communities can be challenging. Nearly one million people in Ituri – the region most affected in the DRC – had already been forced from their homes before the outbreak began. 

As people are travelling across borders for work, family and daily life, the virus has spread into Uganda, increasing the risk of more communities.  

All of this makes the outbreak more difficult to contain – and shows why acting early and supporting communities is so important. 

Ebola doesn’t just affect children’s health, it can change many parts of their lives at once. 

During outbreaks, children may lose parents or caregivers, or struggle to access basic services like healthcare and education. Fear and stigma can also affect how they feel, leaving some children feeling isolated or unsure who to trust. 

At a time when they need stability most, many children are facing sudden loss and disruption, making it harder to feel safe, supported and connected.

For families, daily life can change quickly. Health services may be overwhelmed, travel can become more difficult, and communities may face fear and stigma linked to the disease. 

For children, these disruptions can be especially challenging. Missing school, losing routines, and even small, familiar parts of daily life, like seeing friends and playing outside, can be interrupted, leaving them feeling unsettled and alone.

In an outbreak like Ebola, time matters. Acting early helps identify cases, protect health workers and prevent the virus from spreading further. 

The faster communities can access care, information and supplies, the greater the chance of containing the outbreak and protecting lives. Delays, on the other hand, can allow the virus to spread more widely, making it much harder to control.

UNICEF is working closely with governments and partners – including WHO and Africa CDC – to help stop the outbreak and support families. 

On the ground, our teams are sharing clear, practical information so people understand how Ebola spreads and how they can protect themselves. They’re also helping improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and making sure health centres have what they need to keep people safe. 

This includes delivering essential supplies like disinfectants and soap, personal protective equipment for health workers, and water purification tablets and water tanks. 

Local health workers are being supported to track cases and respond quickly, while essential services like healthcare and nutrition continue for children who need them most. 

Because the virus doesn’t stop at borders, UNICEF is also working across countries to coordinate the response and reach communities as early as possible.