Outbreak

In 1967, a deadly virus known as Motaba is discovered in the African jungle. U.S. Army officers Donald McClintock and William Ford decide to eliminate the site to prevent the virus from becoming a biological weapon.

Fast forward to 1995, the Motaba virus resurfaces in Zaire, sparking alarm among health officials. This sudden reemergence prompts immediate investigation from the U.S. military and health agencies.

Colonel Sam Daniels, a virologist from USAMRIID, is tasked with investigating the outbreak. With the assistance of Lieutenant Colonel Casey Schuler and Major Salt, he delves into the nature of the virus to find the source.

Daniels insists on issuing a public health alert to warn the population about the potential threat. However, General Ford dismisses his concerns, asserting that the virus is unlikely to spread.

Roberta Keough, Daniels' ex-wife and a CDC leader, sees the urgent need for a public alert as well. Despite her concerns, her superior hesitates, contributing to the growing risk of an outbreak.

An employee named Jimbo Scott smuggles a white-headed capuchin monkey, the host of the Motaba virus, into the U.S. His attempt to sell the monkey on the black market leads to an infection.

The virus rapidly spreads after Jimbo interacts with several people. This leads to a major outbreak in Cedar Creek, California, as the nature of the virus proves to be highly contagious.

As infections increase, the U.S. Army declares martial law in Cedar Creek to control the outbreak. During this time, Daniels and his team work against military orders to find the virus's origin.

Chaos ensues as a series of accidents result in infections among the team members, including Schuler and Keough. Their infections threaten the team's ability to combat the outbreak effectively.

General Ford reveals a military operation called Operation Clean Sweep, which plans to bomb Cedar Creek to contain the virus. This drastic measure raises ethical concerns about civilian lives.

Determined to find a solution, Daniels and Salt escape from military custody. They start a perilous quest to locate the host animal in hopes of discovering a cure for the deadly virus.

In a tense moment, Daniels confronts General McClintock on the plans to bomb Cedar Creek. He passionately argues that hope remains for a cure, risking everything to prevent unnecessary loss of life.

The pilot of the bombing plane faces a critical decision and chooses to detonate the bomb over water instead of the town. This courageous act averts a major catastrophe and saves countless lives.

Following the chaotic events, McClintock's wrongdoing becomes evident, leading to his arrest by General Ford. This pivotal moment signifies a shift in the military's approach to handling the outbreak.

In the aftermath, Daniels and Keough reconcile their differences, focusing on their shared goal of recovery. The citizens of Cedar Creek begin receiving treatment, highlighting the strength of collaboration in a crisis.