What is happening in the new Ebola outbreak in 2026?

In recent days, international health authorities have confirmed a significant increase in suspected Ebola cases in Central Africa, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the scenario as a public health emergency of international concern due to the accelerated growth in cases and the potential risk of regional spread.

The current outbreak primarily involves the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola virus, a less frequent strain that still has limitations regarding available vaccines and specific treatments.

Although the situation requires global attention, experts stress that a public health emergency of international concern does not automatically mean a new pandemic.

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a serious viral disease caused by Ebola virus, which belongs to the Filoviridae family. Infection can cause severe symptoms and, in some cases, rapidly progress to multi-organ failure and haemorrhage.

The disease was first identified in 1976, near the Ebola River, in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Historically, Ebola outbreaks have presented high mortality rates, especially in regions with limited hospital infrastructure.

How is Ebola transmitted?

Unlike respiratory viruses such as influenza or COVID-19, Ebola does not have sustained airborne transmission between people.

Transmission generally occurs through:

  • direct contact with blood;

  • saliva;

  • sweat;

  • vomit;

  • faeces;

  • urine;

  • contaminated body secretions;

  • contaminated surfaces;

  • contact with infected animals.

This means that the risk of spread requires close and direct contact with contaminated body fluids.

For this reason, isolation and contact tracing strategies tend to be effective in containing outbreaks when applied rapidly.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Initial symptoms may be similar to other viral infections, which complicates early diagnosis.

The most common signs include:

  • high fever;

  • severe muscle pain;

  • weakness;

  • headache;

  • abdominal pain;

  • vomiting;

  • diarrhoea;

  • loss of appetite.

In severe cases, the following may occur:

  • haemorrhaging;

  • organ failure;

  • circulatory shock;

  • severe dehydration.

Clinical progression can happen rapidly, requiring intensive medical support.

Is there a risk of pandemic?

At present, experts consider the global risk to be moderate and different from the scenario observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is because:

  • Ebola has more difficult transmission;

  • symptomatic patients tend to be identified more easily;

  • previous outbreaks showed relatively effective response with isolation and epidemiological surveillance.

However, factors such as:

  • difficulty in accessing health services;

  • regional conflicts;

  • international circulation of people;

  • delayed diagnosis;

can hinder disease control.

For this reason, international organisations maintain constant monitoring of the situation.

Is there treatment or vaccine?

Currently, there are vaccines and experimental therapies for some Ebola variants. However, the strain involved in this new outbreak still presents specific challenges regarding broad vaccine protection.

Treatment is based primarily on:

  • intensive support;

  • hydration;

  • complication control;

  • clinical stabilisation.

The earlier the diagnosis and hospital support, the greater the chances of survival.

Is there a risk in Brazil?

To date, there have been no recorded cases of Ebola outbreak in Brazil.

Brazilian health authorities follow international protocols for epidemiological surveillance, particularly at airports and in monitoring travellers from affected areas.

Experts emphasise that there is no reason for panic, but rather for responsible monitoring of information from reliable sources.

The new Ebola outbreak in 2026 has renewed international alert regarding emerging infectious diseases and the importance of global health surveillance.

Despite the historical severity of the virus, the current scenario is still being investigated, and the coming weeks will be crucial to understanding the true extent of the outbreak.

Seeking reliable information and avoiding alarmism is essential for understanding the context responsibly.

Important notice

This content is exclusively informational and educational in nature. It does not replace medical assessment, professional diagnosis or follow-up with healthcare professionals. If you experience symptoms, have doubts or need individualised guidance, seek appropriate medical care.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335