Travel Health Update: Ebola

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a serious but relatively rare illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. While the current outbreak in Central and East Africa has raised global concern, the overall risk to most travelers remains low when appropriate precautions are followed.

• • The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with confirmed cross-border cases reported in Uganda.
  • Travelers can reduce risk by avoiding contact with sick individuals, bodily fluids, contaminated items, and unsafe burial practices, while maintaining strong hand hygiene.
  • Early symptoms can resemble common viral illnesses but may progress rapidly, making prompt medical attention and awareness critical for travelers in affected regions.

Ebola: What Travelers Need to Know

With growing concern surrounding the recent Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa, many travelers are seeking clarity on what this disease means for their health and safety. On Call International’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle Nathan, shares her expert insights on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), how it spreads, current outbreak developments, and what travelers can do to stay protected.

What is Ebola?

Dr. Nathan: Ebola virus disease is caused by a virus group known as orthoebolaviruses.  Ebola disease can cause a serious illness which without treatment can be fatal. Orthoebolaviruses are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ebola virus is spread by direct contact with body fluids (blood, urine, feces, saliva, semen, or other secretions) of infected persons. Ebola can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, or needles.

What’s happening with the current Ebola outbreak?

Dr. Nathan: On May 16, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).   The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is less common than the Zaire strain and currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment.

At the time of writing, Health officials in DRC have reported hundreds of suspected cases and more than 100 deaths in seven health zones across DRC.  In addition, there are 2 confirmed cases in Uganda in people who traveled from DRC.

DRC and Uganda, with support from international aid agencies, have activated their public health resources. Emergency supplies have been shipped to the affected regions.  Both countries have implemented surveillance and preventive measures that are directed at minimizing transmission of the virus.

What are the symptoms of Ebola Disease?

Dr. Nathan: Symptoms of Ebola disease can appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure, though most people develop symptoms within eight to 10 days. Early symptoms can resemble many other viral illnesses, which can make early diagnosis difficult.

Common early symptoms include:

• • Fever
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Severe headache
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Sore throat

Symptoms progress to include:

• • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Unexplained bleeding

Symptoms often progress quickly, and severe cases can become life-threatening without prompt medical care.

How can travelers protect themselves?

Dr. Nathan: For most travelers, the overall risk of contracting Ebola remains low. However, those in affected regions should take precautions seriously.

Travelers should:

• • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or displaying symptoms
  • Avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids/secretions
  • Avoid contact with contaminated items including clothing and bedding
  • Avoid funeral/burial practices that involve touching the body of an infected individual
  • Practice frequent hand hygiene
  • Avoid handling animals or consuming bushmeat in affected areas
  • Follow local public health guidance and travel advisories
  • Ensure they have access to travel medical and emergency assistance services before departure

Healthcare workers, humanitarian aid workers, and those traveling for mission or volunteer work may face higher risks and should follow strict infection prevention protocols.

Are there vaccines or treatments available for Ebola?

Dr. Nathan: Effective vaccines and treatments do exist for some strains of Ebola, particularly the Zaire strain. However, the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no fully approved vaccines or targeted therapies available. Experimental vaccines are being evaluated and deployed in limited settings as part of outbreak response efforts.

Early supportive medical care — including fluids, oxygen support, and treatment of secondary infections — remains critical for improving outcomes.

Final thoughts from Dr. Nathan:

I always encourage travelers to review current travel health guidance and advisories from your country’s official public health sources before making any travel plans to affected areas. As during any other travel health concern, it’s important to remain vigilant and consume information/advice from credible sources only. On Call’s travelers and clients are encouraged to consult with On Call’s Global Response Center directly for the latest situation updates and related traveler health recommendations.

If assistance is needed while traveling, On Call’s travelers and clients can contact us 24/7 for help locating medical care, coordinating treatment, or coordinating an evacuation if needed.

Want to Learn More?
If you’re not currently an On Call client and would like to know more about our travel risk management and medical assistance services, please feel free to get in touch with us for more information.

The information provided to you within this report has been compiled from a multitude of available sources and is based on current news and analysis at the time of writing. The security team at On Call International, LLC has provided this analysis, supporting advice and recommendations in good faith to assist you in mitigating risks that could arise. However, no implied or express warranty against risk, changes in circumstance, or other fluid and unforeseen events can be provided. By reading this report, you will agree that any reliance you place on this information is therefore strictly at your own risk and that you will not hold On Call International, LLC or the authors responsible for any inaccuracies, errors or oversights here-in. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior permission of On Call International, LLC.

About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common incident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.