Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Actions requested

Awareness

There is a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

• There have been no EVD cases related to this outbreak reported outside the DRC, and currently the risk of spread to the United States is considered low. 
• Currently, the CDC is not implementing additional surveillance of travelers from the DRC at U.S. ports of entry.

Assess for travel

• Obtain a detailed travel history from patients with suspected EVD or other hemorrhagic fevers, especially those who have been in affected areas of the DRC recently. 
• Counsel patients with planned travel to an EVD outbreak-affected area on ways to prevent exposure during their travel. Travelers should monitor themselves for symptoms of EVD while in the outbreak area and for 21 days after leaving.

Reporting

Immediately report suspected cases of EVD and other viral hemorrhagic fevers to Public Health at 206-296-4774.

Resources

• Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, CDC Health Alert Network (HAN)
• Clinical Guidance for Ebola Disease, CDC
• Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, CDC Travelers' Health