The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued updated guidance for healthcare professionals and the public following the continued expansion of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The revision, published on 24 September 2026, comes as the virus reaches new provinces and international health organisations monitor the “fastest-growing” Ebola outbreak on record.
The current epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), a different strain from the Zaire ebolavirus responsible for the West African crisis between 2014 and 2016. Health officials have highlighted that while vaccines exist for the Zaire strain, there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically for the Bundibugyo variant involved in this 2026 outbreak.
Expansion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
As of late September 2026, the outbreak in the DRC has reached a total of 7,794 confirmed cases and resulted in 3,761 deaths. The geographic footprint of the virus expanded on 22 September when Sud-Ubangi was confirmed as the seventh province to report cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) originally declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026. While the DRC continues to struggle with containment, a parallel outbreak in neighbouring Uganda was officially declared over on 27 August 2026, after the country successfully completed 42 days without a new confirmed case.
Risk assessment and advice for the UK
The UKHSA maintains that the risk to the general UK population remains low. Imported cases of Ebola or Marburg are extremely rare, and the UK has established protocols for managing suspected viral haemorrhagic fevers through specialised NHS units and the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory.
However, specific measures are in place for those returning from affected regions. Travellers who have recently been in the DRC and develop any of the following symptoms should contact NHS 111 immediately:
- A sudden high fever
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- A persistent headache
- Sore throat
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Individuals are advised to mention their recent travel history clearly when calling. Clinicians have been reminded to remain vigilant for these symptoms in patients with a relevant travel history to Central Africa.
Requirements for organisations and workers
The UKHSA continues to operate the Returning Workers Scheme (RWS), which is a mandatory registration for organisations with staff working in Ebola-affected areas. This includes non-governmental organisations (NGOs), humanitarian charities, and healthcare providers.
Staff returning to the UK from these areas are required to be monitored to ensure that any potential symptoms are identified and managed before the virus can spread. The UKHSA notes that while the domestic risk is low, robust monitoring of those with direct exposure in the field is a critical component of national biosecurity.
Current travel advice remains under constant review. British citizens planning to visit Central Africa are encouraged to check the latest updates on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for specific regional restrictions and health requirements.