What Happened: Ebola and Hantavirus Actions in May 2026

In May 2026, U.S. public health agencies have stepped up actions for two separate threats: an Ebola outbreak in central Africa and a hantavirus cluster tied to a cruise ship. On May 18 the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security put in place enhanced travel screening and entry restrictions for people coming from affected countries. The CDC asked 18 repatriated U.S. passengers to stay at the Nebraska Quarantine Facility through May 31 for monitoring, and it issued federal quarantine orders for two passengers; the orders were signed by acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya. At the same time, about 41 people in the United States were being monitored for possible hantavirus exposure.

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola event a public health emergency on May 17, 2026, and the CDC has mobilized clinical guidance and support for response teams. While officials say the risk to the general public remains low, some public health experts have raised concern about preparedness and clear communication. Travelers who have been in affected areas are advised to watch for symptoms, report illness, and follow public health instructions when asked to quarantine or monitor their health.