The Democratic Republic of Congo's men’s soccer squad is set to face Portugal in Houston on June 17, but the trip arrives amid a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak that has killed at least 136 people. The CDC has raised its travel advisory to level 3 and is coordinating with FIFA to screen players and staff, while the World Health Organization labels the flare‑up a public‑health emergency.

Bundibugyo Ebola kills up to 50% as the DRC prepaares to send its team to Houston

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a strain with no approved vaccine or specific treatment and a case‑fatality rate that can reach half of those infected. According to the source report, more than 540 suspected cases have been recorded, with 136 confirmed deaths and an additional fatality in neighboring Uganda.

CDC elevates DRC travel advisory to level 3 and tightens entry screening

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a level 3 advisory, urging Americans to reconsider non‑essential travel to the DRC and expanding screening for anyone arriving from the affected region. The agency also said it will restrict entry for non‑U.S. passport holders who have been in Uganda, the DRC or South Sudan within the past 21 days, a move aimed at protecting the broader public.

FIFA and CDC coordinate safety protocols for the June 17 match at NRG Stadium

CDC officials told reporters they are “actively working with FIFA to ensure safe traveling and passage” for the Congolese team, though they declined to detail the exact screening measures. The organization emphasized that the risk to the general U.S. population remains low, while urging anyone in the Houston area to avoid contact with sick individuals and to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after leaving the DRC.

Who will monitor the team’s health once they land in the United States?

The report notes that about 25 U.S . personnel are stationed in the DRC,and an additional CDC staff member is being dispatched from Atlanta to assist with on‑the‑ground coordination. Personal protective equipment and technical assistance for contact tracing are also being sent to both the DRC and neighboring Uganda.