Key messages
- The current risk of Ebola disease in Australia is low.
- Transmission requires direct or indirect contact with infected body fluids.
- Consider Ebola disease in patients with fever (> 38°C) or history of fever in the past 24 hours AND a history of travel to an endemic/epidemic area AND a plausible route of exposure in the 21 days prior to illness onset.
- Immediately isolate patients suspected to have Ebola disease and notify your local public health unit.
Current situation
There is a large outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. On 17 May 2026, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
No human case of Ebola disease has ever been reported in Australia.
Clinicians are advised to consider Ebola disease in:
Patients with fever (> 38°C) or history of fever in the past 24 hours
AND
any of the following within 21 days of illness onset:
- history of travel to an area where Ebola disease cases are currently occurring or
- contact with a confirmed case of Ebola disease or
- contact with blood, bodily fluids, tissue or possessions of a confirmed case of Ebola disease.
Symptoms of Ebola disease can include fever, fatigue, headache, myalgia, pharyngitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and bleeding.
Management of suspected cases:
- Isolate the patient immediately, preferably in a single room and provide a surgical mask.
- Use standard and transmission-based precautions (contact and airborne)
- If available, use the following PPE:
- fit tested, fluid-resistant disposable P2/N95 respirator
- long sleeved fluid-resistant gown
- eye protection such as goggles or a face shield
- non sterile gloves
- Minimise contact and avoid unnecessary procedures.
- Notify the local public health unit (PHU) immediately by telephone to determine if the patient should be managed and tested as a suspected case. Viral haemorrhagic fevers (including Ebola) are Notifiable Conditions in Queensland.
- The PHU will arrange transport through existing processes for transfer to an emergency department or for hospital admission as required.
- Consider differential diagnoses. People returning from affected areas with fever are more likely to have other causes for illness (e.g. malaria or a viral infection, such as dengue or chikungunya infection).
Testing
- All requests for testing will be in consultation with the Public Health Physician or Infectious Diseases Physician, following a risk assessment.
Further information
National Guidelines: Ebola disease | CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units
Ebola disease situation reports: Ebola disease reports | Australian Centre for Disease Control
Queensland Health resources: Viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) including Ebola virus disease
and Viral haemorrhagic fever | Communicable disease control guidance
