CDC

CDC is closely monitoring reports of an Ebola outbreak in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is working closely with the Ministry of Health through our Country Office to support response efforts. Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who is sick or has died from the disease, and early detection and response are critical to limiting transmission. CDC continues to support global public health partners in surveillance, laboratory analysis, infection prevention, and outbreak response efforts. The risk of Ebola to the American public is considered low, and travelers should stay informed through official public health guidance while health authorities work to further characterize the virus strain and contain the outbreak.

CDC is actively working alongside public health partners at the local, state, federal, and international levels, applying world-class expertise to monitor potential Andes virus exposures. The current risk to the public remains low. Here’s how CDC is responding: - Engaging with state and local health departments to conduct daily health check-ins, ensuring rapid access to testing and care if symptoms develop, and supporting individuals through routine monitoring. - Tracking three potential exposure groups: repatriated passengers, travelers who returned home before the outbreak was identified, and in-flight contacts who were exposed to symptomatic cases. - Developing testing protocols and guidance based on the best available scientific evidence. Answers to frequently asked questions: cdc.gov/hantavirus/faq…

This National Hospital Week, we recognize the vital role hospitals, health systems, and healthcare workers play in keeping communities healthy. For more than 5,000 hospitals across the country, this week is often marked with staff recognition events where teams pause to celebrate. As part of the ongoing national response to a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in international waters, the safe return of 18 Americans depended on the expertise and professionalism of two hospital teams standing ready. The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Emory University Hospital received these passengers returning from overseas, and CDC commends both teams for exemplifying what it means to serve their communities—and their country—in times that demand collaboration and commitment. From critical access hospitals in rural America to leading academic medical centers, healthcare workers continue to meet extraordinary challenges with resilience, innovation, and compassion while strengthening the communities they serve. #NationalHospitalWeek #WeAreHealthCare @emoryhealthcare @unmc

All 16 Americans who arrived yesterday at the @unmc Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) in Omaha after traveling on the MV Hondius cruise ship currently remain asymptomatic. Last night, the mildly symptomatic U.S. passenger taken to the @EmoryUniversity RESPTC in Atlanta tested negative for the Andes variant of hantavirus.

UPDATE: an 18th American passenger from the cruise ship, a dual US-British citizen, traveled on the returning @StateDept airlift and is at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) in Omaha with 15 of the other repatriated passengers. Two passengers from the airlift, including one who traveled with mild symptoms in the plane's biocontainment unit, are now at Emory University's RESPTC in Atlanta. All individuals in both facilities will receive clinical assessment and appropriate care and support based on their condition and needs.

HHS through @ASPRgov and @CDCgov is supporting @StateDept in the repatriation of 17 American citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship affected by the Andes variant of hantavirus. All 17 are currently en route via @StateDept airlift to the United States, with two of the passengers travelling in the plane's biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution. One passenger currently has mild symptoms and another passenger tested mildly PCR positive for the Andes virus. As of now, the airlift will transport passengers to the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska before taking the passenger with mild symptoms to a second RESPTC at its final destination. Upon arrival at each facility, each individual will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition.

In addition to working with its international partners, the CDC since the start of the #Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak has: • Activated its Emergency Operations Center to support response activities. • Deployed a medical team to the Canary Islands to assess the American cruise ship passengers. • Tracked and notified state health departments of returning U.S. travelers. • Initiated state-level monitoring of potentially exposed individuals who have already returned. • Disseminated traveler risk assessment guidance. • Published a Health Alert Network advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about the hantavirus cluster linked to the cruise ship. • Hosted national stakeholder coordination calls. • Refined exposure assessment tools and released a hantavirus outbreak toolkit for the public. • Deployed a team to meet the returning American cruise ship passengers for further assessment, monitoring and coordination in Omaha, Nebraska.

The CDC continues to provide informational materials and clinical resources to public health agencies, laboratories, and healthcare professionals nationwide. View the hantavirus outbreak toolkit here: cdc.gov/hantavirus/too…

The CDC issued this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about the hantavirus disease cases caused by infection with Andes virus. The risk to the public's health in the United States is considered extremely low at this time. As a precaution, CDC is working to increase awareness of the outbreak among travelers, public health agencies, laboratories, and healthcare professionals nationwide. cdc.gov/han/php/notice…

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya: I want to assure the American public that CDC is diligently working to keep you safe and informed about #Hantavirus. We continue to work with international partners and have delivered guidance to impacted states regarding returning passengers. Additionally, CDC held a call with all 50 state health offices to provide recommendations and ensure preparedness. cdc.gov/media/releases…

The hantavirus linked to the cruise ship outbreak is the Andes virus which, is the only type that can spread from person to person. This is rare and typically limited to close, prolonged contact. At this time, there is no indication of wider community spread. cdc.gov/hantavirus/abo…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚 Join CDC in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting mental health across communities. Small actions—like checking in with someone—can make a big difference. Explore CDC’s resources: cdc.gov/mental-health #MHAM

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya: Our hearts go out to the passengers aboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius and their families during this difficult time. Our CDC team began coordinating with domestic and international partners as soon as we were notified of a hantavirus situation. We understand that people are concerned and looking for information and that is why we provided clear, written health guidance to the American passengers through the State Department. The safety and health of the affected American travelers is our number one goal. Hantavirus is not spread by people without symptoms, transmission requires close contact, and the risk to the American public is very low. CDC has the world’s leading experts on hantavirus and is lending its technical expertise when coordinating with interagency partners, state health offices, and international authorities on response and repatriation planning. We will be monitoring the health status and preparing medical support for all of the American passengers on the cruise. CDC will continue to update as more information becomes available and remains committed to protecting the health and safety of the American public.

Not sure where to begin with physical activity? Start with one movement — even 10 minutes counts toward better health! Over time, small steps can lead to big improvements in your physical and mental health. #StartWithOne

Check for ticks after spending time outdoors— even in your own backyard. Tick bites can spread germs that cause illness, including Lyme disease, which is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest. A few minutes of prevention can make a difference. Get tips to protect yourself against Lyme disease: bit.ly/notimeforlyme

Wondering how much physical activity you need? For adults, aim for: 🚶‍♀️ Moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking) for 150 minutes/week. 💪 Muscle-strengthening activities (like lifting weights) at least 2 days/week. If that feels like a lot, start with just one walk, one class, or one active choice today. It all adds up. #StartWithOne #MoveMoreFeelBetter #PhysicalActivityForAdults

At CDC, scientific integrity is the foundation of everything we do— grounded in evidence, transparency, encouraging open debate, and rigorous review. Read Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s op-ed in The Washington Post on why this matters for public trust and public health: washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/…

Fentanyl remains a leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States, even as overall deaths have declined. CDC partners with public health professionals to support prevention efforts by: Expanding access to naloxone Educating youth and communities Using data-driven strategies This #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay, learn the risks and protect yourself and your friends: bit.ly/41YfxGd

The measles outbreak in South Carolina is officially over, with no new cases reported for 42 days. CDC supported state and local partners throughout the response—providing lab expertise, real-time data, and on-the-ground public health support. This milestone reflects the strength of collaboration in stopping the spread of measles and protecting communities. These efforts are contributing to meaningful public health impact in 2026. No matter the outbreak or where it occurs, CDC stands ready to support partners with the science, tools, and expertise needed to respond. Current measles data: cdc.gov/measles/data-r…