Health Alert: Kasai Province (DRC), Ebola Outbreak Declared

Location: Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Event:  On September 4th, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo officially declared an outbreak of Ebola in Kasai Province.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ebola is a rare, severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever illness. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected persons or their blood, bodily fluids; through direct contact (handling or washing) with infected corpses; or through contact with objects that have been in contact with infected secretions.

Actions to Take:

• Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Page for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which includes information on Ebola.
• Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended, as the symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares.
• Monitor your health for 21 days following travel if you traveled to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak.
• If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance prior to presenting for care.
• Review the U.S. Embassy country page for general health information.
• Refer to the Embassy’s list of medical providers.
• Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151/0152 or +243-972-616-193 (after hours and weekends).
• Email us at: ACSKinshasa@state.gov
• Visit the Embassy’s website at: https://cd.usembassy.gov/
• State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates.
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