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Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo (Update)

25 Oct 2012

On 23 October 2012, the World Health Organisation reported that the outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of Congo has stabilised. There have been no new cases or deaths reported in more than a week.

A total of 75 probable cases have been recorded and in the past 10 days the number of fatal cases has remained at 36.

Advice for Travellers

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk for travellers and EU citizens residing in the country:

"The risk of residents and travellers becoming infected or developing the disease is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood, bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. As a precautionary measure, EU citizens in DRC should avoid such contact. Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache or general malaise) within three weeks after return."