Ebola illness in Uganda – Travel.gc.ca

Original publication date: May 26, 2026

Updated: May 26, 2026

• Ebola illness is attributable to a gaggle of viruses which might be unfold by contact with the contaminated bodily fluids of individuals or animals experiencing Ebola illness signs. 
• The illness is severe and sometimes deadly.
• The threat of getting Ebola illness is low for many travellers if the right precautions are adopted.
  • Ebola illness is not unfold by the air or by informal contact.

• There is an outbreak of Ebola illness in Uganda, attributable to the Bundibugyo virus.
• Cases have been reported in Kampala, linked to the Bundibugyo virus illness (BVD) outbreak ongoing in neighbouring  Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak to be a public well being emergency of worldwide concern (PHEIC).
• Local authorities are responding to the outbreak with assist from WHO and worldwide companions.
• There are not any accredited vaccines or particular therapies for BVD; early supportive care can enhance survival. 

Learn extra:
Uganda journey recommendation 
Ebola illness in Democratic Republic of the Congo – Travel well being discover
Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda (May 21, 2026) (WHO)
First meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda 2026 (May 22, 2026) (WHO)

Before you allow

• Talk to a well being care supplier or go to a journey well being clinic, ideally about 6 weeks earlier than your departure date, to get customized well being recommendation. Even in case your journey date is arising quickly, it is nonetheless value making an appointment.
• Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to remain related with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency overseas or an emergency at dwelling.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

While you are away

• If you might be travelling to Uganda, comply with native well being pointers and take precautions to guard your self. 
• Avoid contact with individuals who have Ebola illness signs (fever, rash, muscle ache), and something that could possibly be contaminated with their bodily fluids.  
• Avoid contact with the our bodies of people that have died of Ebola illness or an unknown sickness throughout funerals and burials. 
• Avoid visiting healthcare amenities within the outbreak space for nonurgent medical care or for nonmedical causes.  
• Avoid shut contact with stay and lifeless animals, as each can unfold the viruses.  
• Wash your fingers repeatedly with cleaning soap and water for not less than 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer containing not less than 60% alcohol for 20 seconds or till dry.

The Government of Canada’s workplaces overseas can help Canadian residents in case of an emergency. Carry the contact info for the closest Canadian workplace. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa is open 24/7. 

Consulate of Canada to Uganda, in Kampala
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Learn extra:
Ebola disease: Prevention

Returning to Canada

Do not journey when you’ve got signs of Ebola illness.

Due to the Ebola illness outbreak, chances are you’ll be topic to well being exit screening measures when leaving Uganda, resembling finishing a well being kind and temperature checks.

Monitor your well being for 21 days for those who travelled to an space the place Ebola illness circumstances have been reported.

If you start to really feel sick throughout your journey again to Canada, you must inform the flight attendant and/or a border companies officer as quickly as attainable. You could also be referred to a public well being officer for a well being evaluation and additional path.

If you start to really feel sick after you come back to Canada, you must:

• instantly separate your self from others 
• name your public well being authority
  • describe your signs over the telephone
  • inform them the place you might have been travelling or dwelling

Learn extra:
If you become ill with Ebola disease
If you turn out to be sick or injured whereas travelling outdoors Canada or after your return
Contact your local public health authority

Ebola illness is a extreme and sometimes deadly illness. It is attributable to a gaggle of viruses. 

Ebola illness is unfold by:

• direct contact with the physique fluids or tissues of an contaminated animal or particular person experiencing Ebola illness signs
• sexual contact with somebody who has Ebola illness
• contact with semen or breast milk from an individual who recovered from Ebola illness.
• contact with the physique or bodily fluids of an animal or person who died from Ebola illness

Ebola illness is not unfold by the air or by informal contact, like sitting in the identical room.

Symptoms of Ebola illness start 2 to 21 days after publicity. They can begin all of the sudden and embody:

• fever
• feeling drained
• headache
• muscle ache and weak spot
• sore throat
• rash
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea 

It can turn out to be extra extreme, with some folks experiencing extreme bleeding (hemorrhaging), lack of consciousness and loss of life.

Learn extra:
How Ebola disease spreads
Symptoms of Ebola disease

Ebola disease prevention, monitoring and surveillance recommendations – CATMAT
Ebola disease: For health professionals and humanitarian aid workers – Canada.ca