Ebola Preparedness

Key Messages

• There is a confirmed ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the following locations: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu Provinces (evidence of local transmission), Uganda: Kampala District (evidence of limited local transmission)
• There are no suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola or Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) in Hamilton or in Ontario, and the current risk remains low
• Effective May 31 to August 29, 2026, the Government of Canada has introduced temporary border measures, including requiring all asymptomatic individuals who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Canada
• If individuals who have returned from DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the last 21 days seek medical attention, contact Hamilton Public Health urgently to assist with risk assessment

Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with related cases reported in Uganda. As of June 10, health authorities in the DRC have recorded 138 suspected cases under investigation and 598 confirmed cases. Health authorities in Uganda have recorded 19 confirmed cases (14 imported cases, 5 Ugandan nationals who are all known contacts of a confirmed case).

Recommendations

If a clinician suspects a patient may have a VHF, such as Ebola, in a traveller who has recently returned from an area of concern:

• Immediately isolate the patient in a single room or an airborne infection isolation room and implement droplet and contact precautions with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow Public Health Ontario’s document Infection Prevention and Control Management of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) in Acute Care.
• Hamilton Public Health, Healthy and Safe Communities
• Hospital settings should notify their hospital infection prevention and control (IPAC) team, occupational health and safety team, and an ID physician
• Defer drawing blood for VHF or any other testing until after discussion with Hamilton Public Health
• Report to Hamilton Public Health Infectious Disease Program urgently by calling 905-546-2063 during business and after hours to support risk assessment
• If an individual requires urgent acute care and is enroute to a hospital/ED, notify the receiving facility to ensure proper IPAC precautions can be taken
• Complete Public Health Ontario’s (PHO) VHF Clinical Risk Assessment Tool

If suspicion for VHF remains after completion of the risk assessment tool and following consultation with an ID physician/Hamilton Public Health, proceed with the next steps:

• Notify the Ministry of Health’s Health Systems Emergency Management Branch via the 24/7 Health Care Provider Hotline at 1-866-212-2272 ext. 1
• If blood work for routine diagnostic testing has already been collected or sent prior to VHF being considered, notify the laboratory that provides routine diagnostic services to your institution/clinic immediately that VHF is on the differential diagnosis so that appropriate biosafety precautions can be implemented without delay
• Review the Ministry of Health’s Notification Pathway for Special Pathogens for more information
   

Additional Resources

• Public Health Ontario’s Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers webpage
• Public Health Ontario, Infection Prevention and Control Management of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever in Acute Care
• Public Health Ontario, IPAC Guidance for VHF Specimen Collection and Handling in Acute Care Settings
• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, Test Information Index

Contact

Report reportable diseases by calling Hamilton Public Health, Infectious Disease Program at 905-546-2063, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. After hours, on holidays and on weekends please call 905-546-2063 and ask to speak to the on-call Infectious Disease Public Health Nurse.