On September 4, the Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province. The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has issued a health alert to inform U.S. citizens and travelers about the situation.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to health officials, Ebola is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, as well as through handling infected corpses or objects contaminated with infectious secretions.
The embassy recommends several precautions for those traveling to or residing in affected areas. Travelers are advised to visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Page for updated information on Ebola and to continue taking malaria prophylaxis, since malaria symptoms can resemble those of Ebola and may cause unnecessary concern if not properly managed. Monitoring personal health for 21 days after travel to outbreak regions is also recommended.
"If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance prior to presenting for care," states the embassy advisory.
Additional resources include reviewing general health information on the U.S. Embassy country page, consulting the embassy’s list of medical providers, and checking with travel insurance providers about medical evacuation options in case of illness while abroad.
For assistance, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy Kinshasa at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe by phone at +243 81-556-0151/0152 or +243-972-616-193 (after hours and weekends), or by email at ACSKinshasa@state.gov. Further information is available on the embassy’s website at https://cd.usembassy.gov/.
Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and follow the embassy on Facebook and X.