ECDC publishes practical guidance to improve Ebola preparedness

The publication, 'Preparedness and response for imported cases of Ebola disease into an EU/EEA country ', serves as a broad baseline for national authorities to review internal procedures and strengthen system readiness, ensuring they can react quickly and effectively in case of need. The newly published guidance outlines clear, practical steps across multiple sectors, including points of entry, community settings, transport arrangements, and designated isolation hospitals. This guidance is issued amidst the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which began in May 2026. 

While ECDC assists in reinforcing domestic planning frameworks across Europe, the agency is also scaling up its on-the-ground support. Through the EU Health Task Force, ECDC experts have been deployed to Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa since 19 May 2026, working in cooperation with DG ECHO, DG INTPA, and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) to assist the regional response. 

ECDC continues to monitor the outbreak closely through its routine epidemic intelligence activities. By maintaining strong lines of communication with international health partners and the European Commission, the agency ensures that European preparedness guidelines remain aligned with the evolving situation on the ground. 

The Centre continues to emphasise that the risk of infection for people living in the EU/EEA remains very low, given the minimal likelihood of importation and secondary transmission.