Ebola Virus Disease in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (Update)

11 Sep 2014

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is ongoing. A further 31 cases were reported between 2-9 September 2014. The total number of cases has increased to 62, of those 14 have been confirmed and 35 deaths have occurred (9 confirmed, 26 probable).

The outbreak has been confined to Jeera country; affected villages include:Watsi Kengo, Lokolia, Boende, and Boende Muke. A total of 239 contacts have been followed-up. All cases and contacts are linked to the index case.

Advice for Travellers

The risk of travellers becoming infected or developing EVD is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. Healthcare workers are at particular risk, although practising appropriate infection control should effectively prevent transmission of disease in this setting.

Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.