As reported in the Nov 22nd WHO Disease Outbreak News update, ‘The risk of the outbreak spreading to other provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as to neighbouring countries, remains very high’. As a precautionary measure, the Ugandan government is vaccinating healthcare workers against Ebola virus in the four western districts of Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo and Kabarole. Read more. The latest DRC Ministry of Health data for the outbreak can be found here.
Advice for travellers
Ebola Virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever found in humans and other primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It spreads through families and friends in close contact with blood and infectious secretions of people with obvious symptoms and, as such, presents a low risk to tourists to the affected countries. Read more about Ebola virus disease.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.