Clinican Alert: Outbreak of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

What is the issue?

A major outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola disease outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026.

The risk of Ebola disease importation to Australia is low. Returned travellers from affected areas with fever are more likely to have other diagnoses, particularly malaria.

As of 27 May 2026, the DRC has reported 1077 suspected cases, 246 suspected deaths, 121 confirmed cases and 17 confirmed deaths. Uganda has reported 7 confirmed cases with 1 confirmed death. In the DRC, cases have been confirmed across Ituri, Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivi provinces. For current information on the outbreak, visit the WHO webpage: Ebola outbreak - DRC 2026.

There are no specific vaccines or treatments available for Bundibugyo virus. Treatment is supportive.

Who is at risk?

As of 29 May 2026, the Current Outbreak Areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Neighbouring countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also considered at high risk for further spread. People who live in or travel to Ebola disease affected areas are at risk.

Ebola virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• contact with the blood, bodily fluids (such as stools, vomit, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk or semen) or organs of a person with Ebola disease (living or deceased)
• contact with objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with infectious bodily fluids.

Hospital workers, laboratory workers, family members and carers of someone with Ebola disease are at greatest risk of infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Ebola disease can develop 2 to 21 days after exposure. In the early stages of disease, symptoms may include:

• fever
• muscle and joint pain
• headache
• sore throat
• weakness.

These may be followed by:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• rash
• kidney and liver functions can also be reduced.

Some cases develop internal and external bleeding, and may progress to multi-organ failure and death.

Recommendations for Health Professionals

• As of 29 May 2026, the Current Outbreak Areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
• Consider Ebola Disease in:
  • patients with fever (>38C) AND
  • history of travel to an endemic area or an outbreak area OR contact with someone with Ebola disease or their blood, other bodily fluids or organs within 21 days of illness onset.
• Consider alternative diagnoses. Patients returning from affected areas with fever are more likely to have other diagnoses, particularly malaria.
• If Ebola Disease is suspected:
  • place the patient in a single negative pressure ventilation room with own bathroom (if available).
  • implement standard, contact and airborne precautions, including appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • seek urgent advice from an infectious disease specialist.
  • immediately notify the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
  • defer pathology specimen collection until further advice from an infectious diseases specialist and/or Local Public Health Unit.
• If contacted by a patient and assessed as at risk of Ebola disease, seek urgent advice from an infectious diseases specialist and immediately notify the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
• Testing for Ebola virus is conducted at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory and must be approved by the Department of Health.
• For more guidance on Ebola disease management, including testing and infection prevention and control measures, refer to the Victorian Guidelines for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers for Health Services.