VHF Guidance for Humanitarian Aid Workers

Emerging viral diseases, including Ebola, Marburg and Mpox Clade 1, are rare but severe infections. While endemic regions carry the main burden, early detection and isolation are vital in non-endemic countries to prevent spread. Humanitarian aid workers (HAWs) travelling to affected areas face increased exposure risk and require monitoring on return.

The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) operates a voluntary reporting system for HAWs deployed by Irish NGOs, Irish Aid, or the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This system enables public health teams to assess risk on return and provide follow-up where necessary, including 21-day monitoring after high-risk exposure.

Information can be submitted via the Form for Aid Workers going to EVD affected areas below and emailed to hpsc-data@hpsc.ie in advance of deployment. Updates, including return dates, can be provided using the same process.

Irish NGOs wishing to receive alerts and reminders about emerging viral diseases and the HAW register can contact GZV@hpsc.ie.