Historically, infectious disease outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19) initially cause sharp selloffs in risk assets as uncertainty spikes, followed by policy responses that can boost liquidity. However, Ebola outbreaks are typically more localized and less economically disruptive than a pandemic. The key variable is whether this outbreak remains contained or spreads to major urban centers or other continents.

Nature publishes article on 21 May 2026 expressing concern about the size of an Ebola outbreak in its initial days, with researchers stating the next few weeks will determine its growth.