Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, DRC

February 25, 2021

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

Event: The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared an outbreak of Ebola in the province of North Kivu with reported and confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Biena and Katwa health districts.

On February 24, CDC issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ebola is one of the hemorrhagic fever illnesses. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids.

Ebola symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Actions to Take:

  • Visit the CDC Travel Notice on Ebola in Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has information on the outbreak.
  • If your job requires possible exposure to Ebola, get vaccinated, review CDC’s recommendations for workers to remain healthy, and continue to monitor your health for 21 days following travel to the outbreak area.
  • Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended, as the symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares.
  • Visit the CDC Ebola page for more information.
  • Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Page for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Check with your medical evacuation insurance on options should you fall ill while in the DRC.

Assistance: