Clinical alert - Ebola disease

There is a large outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. On 17 May 2026, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

No human case of Ebola disease has ever been reported in Australia.  

Clinicians are advised to consider Ebola disease in:

Patients with fever (> 38°C) or history of fever in the past 24 hours  

AND

any of the following within 21 days of illness onset: 

• history of travel to an area where Ebola disease cases are currently occurring or
• contact with a confirmed case of Ebola disease or
• contact with blood, bodily fluids, tissue or possessions of a confirmed case of Ebola disease.

Symptoms of Ebola disease can include fever, fatigue, headache, myalgia, pharyngitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and bleeding.

Management of suspected cases: 

• Isolate the patient immediately, preferably in a single room and provide a surgical mask.
  • Use standard and transmission-based precautions (contact and airborne)
  • If available, use the following PPE:
    • fit tested, fluid-resistant disposable P2/N95 respirator
    • long sleeved fluid-resistant gown
    • eye protection such as goggles or a face shield
    • non sterile gloves
  • Minimise contact and avoid unnecessary procedures.
• Notify the local public health unit (PHU) immediately by telephone to determine if the patient should be managed and tested as a suspected case. Viral haemorrhagic fevers (including Ebola) are Notifiable Conditions in Queensland.
• The PHU will arrange transport through existing processes for transfer to an emergency department or for hospital admission as required.
• Consider differential diagnoses. People returning from affected areas with fever are more likely to have other causes for illness (e.g. malaria or a viral infection, such as dengue or chikungunya infection).

Testing 

All requests for testing will be in consultation with the Public Health Physician or Infectious Diseases Physician, following a risk assessment.

Further Information

• Ebola disease National Guidelines
• Ebola disease situation reports
• Qld Health viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) including Ebola virus disease