Should Mission Teams Be Concerned About the Current Ebola Outbreak?
- Lisa Lee
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
What mission travelers need to know before serving overseas-
News about Ebola naturally raises concern, especially for churches preparing to send teams overseas. The good news is that, according to the CDC, the overall risk to travelers from the United States remains low. However, mission leaders should stay informed and include current health information as part of their trip planning.
What is happening?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common strain for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Treatment focuses on supportive medical care while researchers continue to evaluate therapies.
Current Situation (CDC)
As of June 11, 2026, the CDC reported:
Reported Ebola cases (June 2026)
CDC reported confirmed Ebola cases by country during the current outbreak.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
676 confirmed cases
136 confirmed deaths
Uganda
19 confirmed cases
2 confirmed deaths
No Ebola cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States.
Should Mission Teams Cancel Their Trip?
Not necessarily.
The CDC continues to state that:
Risk to the American public remains low.
Most international travelers are not at increased risk.
Travel decisions should be made in consultation with local ministry partners, mission organizations, and current government travel advisories.
For most mission teams serving outside the affected regions, this outbreak should be viewed as an opportunity to review travel health plans—not as a reason for unnecessary alarm.
What Is the CDC Doing?
To reduce the chance of Ebola entering the United States, the CDC has implemented several protective measures:
Enhanced health screening
Travel routing through designated U.S. airports
Coordination with ministries of health in affected countries
Contact tracing and laboratory support
Ongoing monitoring of returning travelers from affected areas
Five Practical Tips for Mission Leaders
1. Know Where You're Going
Review current health notices before departure. Conditions can change quickly, especially in regions experiencing disease outbreaks.
2. Register Your Team
Enroll travelers in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so they can receive security updates and emergency notifications.
3. Listen to Your Local Partner
Your in-country ministry partner often has the best understanding of local conditions. If they recommend postponing or adjusting plans, take their advice seriously.
4. Have a Contingency Plan
Every mission team should have written procedures for:
Medical emergencies
Flight disruptions
Alternative lodging
Communication with families
Emergency evacuation
Preparation is part of responsible stewardship.
5. Don't Spread Fear
Ebola does not spread like COVID-19 or influenza. It requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. Casual contact or simply being on the same airplane with someone is not considered a typical means of transmission.
A Biblical Perspective
Mission work has always involved uncertainty. Wise preparation and informed decision-making are not signs of fear—they are acts of faithful stewardship. As we serve alongside global partners, we demonstrate love not only through our willingness to go, but also through our commitment to protecting our teams and the communities that welcome us.
Resources
CDC: Ebola Outbreak – Current Situation
CDC Travel Health Notices
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Other Resources:
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