Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo - update

As of 18 May 2017, in the last week, the number of suspected cases of Ebola in the Likati Health Zone has increased from 9 to a total of 29 cases [two confirmed, two probable and 25 suspected] and 3 known deaths. The affected areas are remote and hard to reach, with limited communication and transport networks in this densely forested part of Bas-Uele Province.

Advice

A major containment effort is underway in spite of the extreme isolation of the affected area and many logistical difficulties. The risk for the general traveller is very low, unless the traveller is a healthcare worker or other support person.

As of 18 May 2017, seven countries have instituted entry screening at airports and ports of entry (Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe), and two countries have issued travel advisories to avoid unnecessary travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (Rwanda) or to areas around the epidemic (United Kingdom). Two countries (Kenya and Rwanda) implemented information checking on arrival for passengers with a travel history from and through the Democratic Republic of Congo. These measures are within the prerogative of these countries, although the World Health Organization (WHO) does not currently recommend any restrictions of travel and trade in relation to this outbreak.

Travellers may experience delays at the airports of the countries noted above.