What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Update 7)

07 Dec 2018

According to the Ministry of Health in Democratic Republic of the Congo (in French), transmission of Ebola virus disease (EVD) continues in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in the east of the country.

As of 5 December 2018, 471 cases have been reported, of which 423 are confirmed and 48 are probable. In total, there have been 273 fatalities since the start of the outbreak.

Advice to travellers

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

Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.

For further information see Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.