Probable Ebola in Tanzania (Dar-es-Salaam)

01 Oct 2019

The United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has reported the death of a person in Dar-es-Salaam in September 2019. According to FCO it “appears probable” that this person died from Ebola virus disease.

However, Ebola is not usually present in Tanzania and there is limited information about this apparently probable case who visited Uganda before becoming unwell. 

Advice to travellers

When Ebola outbreaks occur, generally the risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola virus disease is extremely low. Other potentially dangerous infections such as malaria, dengue abd chikungunya are also likely to be present in outbreak areas.

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.