Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal, infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus.
On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As of 26 May 2026, the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus has affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with increasing concern about its spread.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk to Europe as very low. The likelihood of infection remains very low for people living in the EU/EEA, and low even for those travelling to the affected regions, due in part to the limited probability of importation and onward transmission. The risk to Ireland is very low.
- Ebola: Frequently Asked Questions
- Advice on international travel is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Humanitarian Aid Workers
Humanitarian Aid Workers travelling to ebola impacted or directly neighbouring countries are urged to register with HSE HPSC in advance of their deployment.
List of Ebola impacted countries
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Uganda
List of neighbouring countries
- Angola
- Burundi
- the Central African Republic
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- the Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Zambia
Last updated: 29 May 2026