Ebola is an infectious disease caused by a virus (filovirus). It was first recognised in 1976 when two outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the Ebola River, and in South Sudan.
Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been reported Central and West Africa. Major epidemics, with large case numbers requiring an international humanitarian effort have occurred in West Africa (2014-2016) and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018 – 2019).
EVD is rare and Public Health England advises risk of Ebola infection is a negligible to very low risk to the United Kingdom (UK).
Ebola is spread by close, direct physical contact with infected body fluids: blood, faeces, saliva, semen, urine and vomit. Infected people can only spread the Ebola virus to other people when they have symptoms.
Infection causes a serious, often fatal haemorrhagic (bleeding) illness called Ebola virus disease (EVD). Symptoms usually begin suddenly and include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat and weakness. Internal and external bleeding; blood in faeces, extensive bruising, bleeding gums, liver and kidney failure can also occur.
There is currently no licensed treatment, care is supportive and recovery depends on early care and treatment of symptoms. A number of vaccines and treatments are being developed.
Check our Country Information pages for destination specific news and outbreaks.
UK travellers planning to visit areas with EVD outbreaks or reporting isolated cases should consider their trip plans carefully, in consultation with a travel health specialist.
All travellers to Ebola risk areas should:
Some traditional burial rituals may play a part in the spread of Ebola. The World Health Organization has guidance on safe and dignified burials to help prevent Ebola transmission in these circumstances.
Aid workers and health professionals planning to undertake humanitarian work in areas where outbreaks or isolated EVD cases are reported should seek risk assessment advice and training form their employer/organisation prior to travel. They should also be familiar with Public Health England’s specific guidance: Ebola virus disease: information for humanitarian aid workers and the Ebola: returning workers scheme.
Travel to an Ebola affected area may restrict travel health insurance options. Travellers should discuss their plans with their travel insurance provider before they go.
UK travellers experiencing symptoms aboard should seek local medical advice as soon as possible.
Travellers who become unwell after returning to the UK should ring their GP for advice or call NHS111. It is important returning travellers provide details of any recent travel to their health professional so appropriate measures and testing can be carried out. It's extremely unlikely that Ebola will be the cause of fever or other symptoms, but other serious conditions such as malaria or typhoid may be a risk.
More detailed information on Ebola virus disease: clinical management and guidance is available on the Public Health England website.