The Port Health Division of the Department of Health of the HKSAR Government recently reminded the public about developments regarding Ebola disease. In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring that the epidemic of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” on 17 May 2026, the HKSAR Government announced on the same day the activation of the “Alert Response Level in accordance with the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease” to safeguard public health.

As of 16 May 2026, at least three areas in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had reported 8 confirmed cases of Ebola disease, along with 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths. Uganda, a neighbouring country, recorded 2 confirmed cases (one of them died) within 24 hours of each other on May 15 and 16. Both patients were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ebola disease is a severe acute viral illness. 6 viruses of the Ebola virus genus have been identified, including the BVD involved in the current outbreak. The virus is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected animals. It then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids.

Ebola disease often characterised by sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

There is currently no registered vaccine for Ebola disease in Hong Kong. To prevent the infection, the Port Health Division advise travellers who go to affected areas to observe the following:

• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before and after touching the mouth, nose or eyes; before eating; after using the toilet, after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing. Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with either a clean cotton towel or a paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, hand hygiene with 70 to 80% alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Avoid close contact with feverish or ill persons, and avoid contact with patients’ blood and body fluids, and objects contaminated with blood or body fluids of patients;
• Avoid contact with animals;
• Cook food thoroughly before consumption;
• Travellers should seek medical advice promptly if they become ill within 21 days after returning from affected areas and inform doctor of recent travel history.

Members of the public may visit the The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health’s webpages for more information and preventive advice on Ebola disease, as well as relevant Government's press release.