Risk to general population remains very low following fourth imported Ebola case in Europe
A healthcare worker based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus on 29 September is being medically evacuated to the Netherlands to receive specialised care.
Imported cases among healthcare workers, outbreak responders and humanitarian personnel working in affected areas are not unexpected, and do not alter ECDC’s assessment that the overall risk to the general population in Europe remains very low. These groups can experience different levels of exposure than the general population due to the nature of their work.
This is the fourth case linked to the current outbreak that has been imported into Europe. The three previous imported cases were also linked to medical or humanitarian work in the affected regions.
For patients with Ebola disease requiring medical evacuation, transfers are carefully planned and coordinated. When appropriate infection prevention and control measures are followed, the likelihood of onward transmission is also very low.
ECDC continues to call on EU/EEA countries to maintain preparedness for imported cases. The Centre has published guidance and operational tools to support the rapid identification and isolation of suspected cases, infection prevention and control, and laboratory guidance. ECDC has also published dedicated questions and answers for healthcare professionals in Europe.
