Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever in the Republic of the Congo

November 17, 2003

Health Canada is closely monitoring a confirmed outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the northwest region of the Republic of the Congo in the district of Mbomo in the Cuvette Ouest Département. In earlier reports, the outbreak was suspected of being acute haemorrhagic fever.

To date, the Ministry of Health of the Congo has reported 11 cases (including 11 deaths) due to the illness.

The World Health Organization has dispatched the West Africa sub-regional epidemic response team to the region and is currently working with the Ministry of Health of the Congo to control the outbreak. A National Coordination Committee to contain the outbreak has been established in Brazzaville between the Ministry of Health, WHO and other international partners.

Source: World Health Organization

Recommendation

Health Canada strongly recommends that Canadian travellers to Africa seek an individual risk assessment consultation with their personal physician or a travel clinic prior to departure.

For more information on the ebola virus, visit our disease information page on Ebola haemorrhagic fever.