Recent Outbreaks and Incidents - 2014

For a list of the latest updates, please see the What’s New page or visit CDC’s Current Outbreak List.

Scientist in a hazmat suit

Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (March 2014-December 2015)
Since March 2014, CDC, along with domestic and international governments and partners, have been working to stop an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa.

Young girl sick in bed

Enterovirus D68 in the United States (August 2014-December 2014)
During late summer and fall 2014, the United States experienced a nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) associated with severe respiratory illness.

A female Aedes aegypti mosquito in the process of acquiring a blood meal from her human host.

Chikungunya in the Americas (June 2014-present)
Since late 2013 local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in 43 countries and territories throughout the Americas as well as in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Chikungunya virus disease cases have been reported among U.S. travelers returning from affected areas.

Photo of mud and debris sliding down a hill.

Washington Oso Mudslide (March 2014)
On March 22, 2014, a major mudslide occurred 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Oso, Washington, United States. Learn more about what to do before, during and after a mudslide.

Photo of a lake surrounded by mountains.

West Virginia Chemical Release (January 2014)
On January 9, 2014, an estimated 10,000 gallons of an industrial chemical, 4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM), spilled into the Elk River just upstream from the Kanawha County municipal water intake in Charleston, West Virginia.

Photo of a winter scene.

Polar Vortex (December 2013 – January 2014)
Southward shifts of the North Polar Vortex brought major cold air outbreaks to the Northern Hemisphere. Learn how to protect yourself and others during extreme cold weather.

Page last reviewed: April 28, 2014