EVD in DRC update

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a further case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the city of Mbandaka, Equateur province, in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

As of 4 May 2022, there have been three cases of EVD, two of which have been fatal, with the latest occurrence being a close contact of the first. So far, 444 contacts have been identified by public health authorities and a vaccination programme is underway. 

EVD is a type of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF), which is spread through contact with the blood, body fluids or organs of a person or animal with the infection. 

Advice for travellers 

When Ebola outbreaks occur, generally the risk of travellers becoming infected or developing EVD is extremely low. 

Travellers returning home from an Ebola outbreak area should seek rapid medical attention by contacting NHS 24 (Scotland) or NHS 111 (rest of UK) for advice prior to attending UK medical facilities if they develop a high temperature (fever) and have:

• returned to the UK within 21 days from a region or area with a known outbreak of EVD 
• had contact with individuals infected with a VHF 

Further information and advice on VHFs are available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites. 

Sources: TRAVAX, 5 May 2022 and fitfortravel, 5 May 2022