The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced its collaboration with FIFA to implement safety measures for the World Cup, as the men's soccer team from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepares to travel to the U.S. amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak. The tournament is set to begin on June 11, with the DRC team scheduled to play against Portugal in Houston, Texas, on June 17. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has resulted in at least 136 deaths and over 540 suspected cases. The CDC has elevated its travel advisory for the DRC to level 3, urging Americans to reconsider nonessential travel to the region.

In response to the outbreak, the CDC is enhancing screening measures for travelers from affected areas and restricting entry for non-U.S. passport holders who have been in Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan in the past 21 days. The agency is also deploying additional resources to assist in disease tracking and contact tracing. Although the CDC states that the risk to the general U.S. public remains low, travelers are advised to monitor for symptoms of Ebola for 21 days after leaving the DRC. This outbreak marks the 17th occurrence of Ebola in the DRC since the virus was identified in 1976, highlighting the ongoing public health challenges posed by this virus.