Outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Update 24)
15 Apr 2020
The media have reported
that three new Ebola cases have been detected in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Ministry of Health on Fri 10 Apr 2020 confirmed the death from Ebola of a 26-year-old man in the city of Beni, North Kivu province. An 11-month-old girl treated at the same health centre also died, and a 7-year-old girl is also currently being treated for the virus.
The country had recorded its last Ebola case on 17 Feb 2020 and was on the verge of ending an outbreak that has killed more than 2200 people since August 2018.
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.