Outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Update 17)
29 Jul 2019
As of 27 July 2019, the World Health Organisation
reports 2 659 cases of Ebola virus disease in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, of which 2 565 are confirmed and 94 are probable. In total, there have been 1 782 deaths since the start of the outbreak in August 2018. North Kivu and Ituri Provinces are the only parts of DRC affected, although a small number of imported cases have been identified in neighbouring Uganda.
On 17 July 2019, the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Importance (PHEIC). This recognises the scale of the outbreak and the challenges involved in responding to it, while calling for further international support.
Advice to travellers
When Ebola outbreaks occur, generally the risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola virus disease is extremely low.
If you return from an Ebola outbreak area you should seek rapid medical attention if you develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within 21 days after return. You should call NHS24 (Scotland) or NHS111 (England and Wales) or contact your GP by telephone. While Ebola virus disease is unlikely, you should mention any potential exposure to the virus including dates and itinerary of travel.
For further information see Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.