Health alert: Ebola

Australia’s Department of Health, Ageing and Disability wishes to advise primary health professionals of the global health alert for Ebola disease.  

On the 17 May 2026, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation determined that the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). 

Although this outbreak currently presents a low risk to Australia, healthcare workers should remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of Ebola and request travel history from anyone presenting with symptoms. 

Ebola symptoms  

Ebola disease is a life-threatening infection causing death in about half of all people who contract it. While the disease is rare, outbreaks can grow quickly. The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) states that symptoms usually start suddenly and can get worse over time. 

Early symptoms include: 

• fever 

• severe headache 

• muscle pains 

• weakness 

• sore throat. 

This is followed by: 

• vomiting 

• diarrhoea 

• abdominal pain 

• rash. 

Later stages can involve bleeding, including: 

• blood in vomit and stools 

• bleeding from the nose, gums, eyes or vagina. 

What to do if you suspect your patient has Ebola disease 

• Isolate the patient and restrict entry to the isolation room. 

• Obtain a full travel and exposure history, including symptoms, illness onset, travel dates and travel activities/locations. 

• Urgently notify Metro South Public Health Unit by phone (07 3156 4000), wherever possible, before collecting any pathology specimens or undertaking any invasive procedures. The Public Health Unit can provide further advice on risk assessment and public health management. 

• If you are in a hospital, immediately notify the infection control service and the hospital executive for your hospital and follow their directions. 

Information for health professionals on Ebola disease 

 The Australian Centre for Disease Control has published guidance for frontline health professionals on Ebola disease: 

• Ebola information for frontline health professionals 

  • Factsheet with information for health professionals about the possibility of Ebola. 

• Infection prevention and control principles and recommendations for Ebola virus disease 

  • Describes actions and measures recommended to protect healthcare workers and others who may come in contact with the Ebola virus 

• Ebola virus disease – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units 

  • Nationally consistent guidance for Public Health Units on how to respond to the Ebola virus disease. 

 For more information contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Border Health Section at [email protected] .