The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Uganda, Angola and the Central African Republic following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The DRC Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province on 15 May, with cases also confirmed in Uganda. In response, several countries have introduced stricter measures, including enhanced health screenings for travellers from affected regions.
Kenya has introduced enhanced health screenings for passengers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia and the DRC, while Tanzania has also increased public health measures for incoming travellers. The Foreign Office warns that travellers may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region.
The Foreign Office already advises against all travel to parts of the Central African Republic, but has updated its advice due to the country sharing a border with the DRC. Virginia Messina, Group CEO of the African Travel and Tourism Association, said established protocols are in place and the risk to travellers on standard itineraries outside affected areas remains very low.
No other cases have been detected outside Uganda and the DRC as of 27 May. The WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are scaling up efforts to contain the virus but continue to advise against blanket travel restrictions.
