Ebola outbreak raises concern, but the risk to Europeans remains very low

Brussels – The current Ebola outbreak – which is spreading “rapidly” in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda – raises serious concern, but “the risk of infection to the general population in Europe remains very low,” said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in its latest bulletin, adding that it is stepping up its support on the ground. 

As of 24 May 2026, over 900 suspected cases of Ebola have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Uganda has so far reported seven. “ECDC continues to assess the likelihood of infection for anyone from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas as low, provided they follow the recommended precautionary measures,” it adds. 

In general, however, “the current outbreak is of serious concern, and is in many ways not comparable with previous Ebola outbreaks.” According to the ECDC, “the highly complex situation in the affected region makes it considerably more difficult to take effective countermeasures.” The circumstances are made “still more challenging by the fact that this outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.”

 In this context, to gather first-hand information on the ground, the ECDC is working “closely” with partners to strengthen its presence through the European Union Health Task Force in support of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. “This will also enable the Centre to gather more detailed information on exit screening, which ECDC continues to emphasise is crucial to reduce risk by identifying travellers who are symptomatic,” the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said. Furthermore, this will enable the ECDC itself to “promptly update its risk assessment and recommendations for the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA).” 

The actions taken by the ECDC include support for EU/EEA countries in providing clear and practical travel advice to all those arriving from affected areas, including guidance on what to do if symptoms develop; assistance to EU/EEA countries in strengthening readiness to rapidly detect and isolate anyone infected arriving from the affected regions, and carry out all necessary control measures; daily epidemiological updates; an upcoming publication of ECDC scientific opinions on infection prevention and control measures in the EU/EEA; the deployment of an ECDC expert to African centres for disease control and prevention within the EU Health Task Force to support coordination and operational planning. Furthermore, “a wider deployment of ECDC experts to the region is underway via the Task Force” and “work on a modelling study on the likelihood of importation of cases into the EU/EEA.”

 Finally, other measures include cooperation with the aviation sector to enhance the safety of all passengers on board, ensuring a consistent approach to managing suspected cases during flights, and developing a series of infographics for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.