The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the current Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo type of Ebola virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While international health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely, the overall global public health risk remains low according to WHO. The outbreak remains primarily concentrated in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe viral disease first identified in 1976. It belongs to a family of viruses known as filoviruses and has caused multiple outbreaks in Africa over the past several decades. There are four major Ebola virus types known to cause disease in humans:

• Zaire ebolavirus
• Sudan ebolavirus
• Taï Forest ebolavirus
• Bundibugyo ebolavirus

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo type, which was first identified in Uganda in 2007.

How Does Ebola Spread?

Ebola spreads through direct contact with:

• Blood or bodily fluids of an infected person
• Contaminated materials or surfaces
• Infected wildlife or contaminated animal products
• Bodies of deceased infected individuals

Ebola does not spread through the air like COVID-19 or influenza.
People infected with Ebola are not generally considered contagious before symptoms begin.

What Are the Symptoms?

The incubation period for Ebola is 2 to 21 days. Symptoms may appear at any time during this period following exposure to the virus.
Early symptoms may resemble flu-like illness and can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain

Severe illness may progress to internal and external bleeding, organ failure, and shock.

What Should Travelers Know?

Travelers should:

• Review the latest travel advisories before departure
• Follow destination-specific health guidance
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Avoid contact with sick individuals
• Monitor their health during and after travel
• Seek medical advice if they feel sick or develop symptoms

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently advises against travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan unless necessary.

What Should I Do If I Feel Sick After Travel?

• Seek medical advice promptly and inform healthcare providers of your recent travel history.
• Early reporting and medical assessment help support timely care and public health protection.

Is the UAE at Risk?

The public health situation in the UAE remains stable, and there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the country. The UAE continues to maintain a high level of preparedness and health surveillance, including enhanced monitoring, risk assessment, and precautionary response measures in coordination with national and international partners.

Stay Informed

For accurate information and updates, rely on official health authorities and trusted sources. For health information and updates, visit: www.mohap.gov.ae For travel advisories and destination-specific guidance, visit: www.mofa.gov.ae