Ebola Outbreak in Congo Is Growing Faster Than Any on Record, Officials Say

The warning came via a post by the BMJ, the British medical journal, citing official statements about the outbreak’s trajectory in the DRC.

Ebola virus disease is a severe illness spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. It is not airborne, and the risk to the general public in the UK, including Kent residents, is considered very low by the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UKHSA monitors international outbreaks and issues guidance to NHS trusts when a risk assessment changes. At present, no travel restrictions or public health alerts have been issued for people in England in connection with this outbreak.

Still, the speed of this outbreak is drawing attention from global health bodies. The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the decades, but officials describing the current spread as moving at an “unprecedented pace” signals a level of concern beyond previous episodes.

Anyone who has recently returned from an affected area and develops symptoms — which can include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding — should avoid contact with others and call NHS 111 immediately rather than visiting a GP surgery or hospital.

Key information

• If you have symptoms and have recently travelled to an affected area, call NHS 111 — do not walk into a surgery or A&E
• For general health concerns, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or online
• For emergencies, call 999