The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
At least 88 people have died and 336 have been infected with Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare type of Ebola that currently has no approved vaccine.
The WHO has warned the true number of cases is likely higher than current figures suggest, but says the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria to be classified as a pandemic.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a rare but serious disease caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolavirus.
Outbreaks can begin when people come into contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats or other wildlife. The virus spreads between people through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, faeces or saliva. This can also occur after an infected person has died.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear between two and 21 days after exposure and often begin suddenly, with fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and a sore throat.
As the illness progresses, people may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, and signs of kidney or liver problems. In some cases, Ebola can also cause internal or external bleeding.
Ebola can be fatal, with around 50 per cent of people contracting Ebola dying from it, though this can vary depending on the strain and access to medical care.
What is the Bundibugyo strain?
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which is rare.
Unlike the better-known Zaire strain of Ebola, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease.
Should Australians be worried?
The risk to Australians remains low.
Ebola does not spread through the air like COVID-19. It requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is infected.
Smartraveller has updated its advice for the DRC, noting the outbreak and advising Australians not to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, due to both the Ebola outbreak and the broader security situation.
As the situation is changing quickly, anyone travelling to or from affected regions should check the latest health and travel advice.
