Risk assessment guidelines for diseases transmitted on aircraft (RADIGA) – Ebola disease update

Assessment
The ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda reported in May 2026 has prompted ECDC to review its operational guidance relevant to air travel. In this context, updated guidance is needed to support preparedness and public health action if a case is identified during or after a flight.

This ECDC rapid scientific advice builds on the Ebola disease content previously included in the haemorrhagic fevers chapter of the ‘Risk assessment guidelines for diseases transmitted on aircraft (RADIGA)’. In the original 2010 guidance, Ebola disease was included under haemorrhagic fevers; in 2011, the guidance was expanded to cover additional diseases.

This updated information is intended to support public health authorities and other competent national authorities in European Union/European Economic Area countries by providing actions to consider after the identification of a suspected or confirmed Ebola disease case during or after a flight.

Early recognition of the disease and risk assessment are needed to support an appropriate public health response when a potentially infectious passenger is identified during or after a flight, while avoiding unnecessary alarm or disruption to air traffic.

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Risk assessment guidelines for diseases transmitted on aircraft (RADIGA) – Ebola disease update

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