The new Ebola outbreak declared in May 2026 has raised global concern, with cases reported in parts of Central and East Africa and the World Health Organization (WHO) issuing a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
While the risk to the UK remains low, understanding Ebola and how it spreads, its history, and why outbreaks occur will help you to stay informed.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a rare but severe viral disease that can sometimes be fatal to humans. It is caused by a group of viruses known as the orthoebolaviruses. It can affect both humans and animals and spreads from one person to another through close contact with infected bodily fluids (such as vomit and blood) or contaminated objects and surfaces.
Symptoms
Symptoms can appear between 2 and 21 days of being infected. The beginning of infection is usually sudden, and early signs can appear similar to the flu, such as a high temperature, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and headache.
Other symptoms can develop suddenly and may include vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain, as well as a skin rash, bruising and yellowing of the skin and eyes. As Ebola progresses, bleeding can develop, which may include blood in poo and bleeding from different areas of the body.
History of Ebola
African fruit bats are believed to be involved in the spread of orthoebolaviruses and according to scientists may be the natural host of the virus.
Ebola was first identified in Central Africa 50 years ago in 1976, when what is present South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced simultaneous outbreaks of the virus. Between 1979 and 1994, no cases were detected, however, since 1994 outbreaks have occurred more often.
Major historical outbreaks include the largest ever recorded in West Africa, beginning in 2014 and ending in 2016, which had more than 28,000 confirmed cases of Ebola. Since 2016, there have been multiple outbreaks, mainly localised to Central Africa.
Ebola in 2026
The 2026 outbreak of Ebola in the DRC and Uganda is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has not been seen for over a decade and has only been linked to two previous outbreaks in 2007 and 2012.
There are currently no approved vaccines or drugs for this particular strain, but experimental ones are in development.
Organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as local governments, national and international health authorities, and charities are responding to the outbreak, with treatment centres set up across affected areas and contact tracing becoming a primary focus.
What this means for the UK
The WHO declares a Public Health Emergency of International Concern when there is a serious disease outbreak that requires increased international awareness, coordination and support, but this does not mean we are in the early stages of a pandemic.
In the UK, Ebola remains a low risk to the general public, as the risk outside of Central and East Africa is minimal. Imported cases of Ebola are extremely rare in the UK, with just 4 reported cases since 1976 and zero fatalities.
Public health systems are well-prepared, with the NHS and other healthcare organisations having developed systems, safe procedures and specialist centres in place for managing any potential cases.
How to avoid Ebola when travelling abroad
As per current NHS guidance, if you’re travelling to an area where Ebola is found, it’s important to get advice from a travel clinic before you leave.
It’s best to seek professional advice at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, however you can still get advice at the last minute if needed.
If you do travel to an area where the virus is found, ensure you practice basic hygiene such as regular hand washing, washing and peeling fruit and vegetables, avoiding those with symptoms and using protection if you have sex with someone who has recently recovered from Ebola.
For foreign travel advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Final note
While Ebola outbreaks can be serious, global monitoring and rapid response efforts continue to improve at scale.
As individuals, the most effective way we can respond to emerging health threats is to stay informed, rather than alarmed.
To find out more about Ebola and stay up to date on the current outbreak, visit the trusted websites below:
