Released: December 07, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring an outbreak of
Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) in the Bundibugyo district of western Uganda.
EHF is a rare and severe viral disease that is spread through direct contact
with body fluids of an infected person. Although the risk of contracting
EHF is generally considered low for travellers, there are precautions that
should be taken – see: ‘PHAC Recommendations
for Canadian Travellers’ below.
As of December 7, 2007, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has reported 93
suspected cases of EHF, including 22 deaths; four of the fatalities are
health care workers. Laboratory analysis indicates that the viral strain
involved in nine of these cases is distinct from the four known strains
of Ebola virus.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a rare and severe viral disease, often
causing death in humans and other primates (monkeys and chimpanzees). Outbreaks
occur sporadically; inadequate infection control practices in health care
settings and burial ceremonies where mourners have direct contact with
the body of a deceased infected person contribute to the spread of the
virus.
Although the incubation period of EHF ranges from 2 to 21 days, symptoms
most commonly begin within a few days of becoming infected, with the sudden
onset of high fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This
is quickly followed by more severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea,
rash, decreased kidney and liver functioning, and internal and external
bleeding. Specific laboratory blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with body fluids (e.g., saliva,
blood, semen, vaginal fluid, urine, organs) of an infected person or objects
that have been contaminated with infected body fluids. People may also
become infected through close contact with non-human primates infected
with the disease.
For additional information on Ebola haemorrhagic fever, see the
PHAC's Disease
Information Backgrounder: Ebola.
PHAC Recommendations for Canadian Travellers
The risk to travellers of acquiring EHF is generally considered to be
low unless they are caring for an individual infected with the Ebola virus
or exposed to the body fluids of a person or animal suspected of having
EHF.
Health-care professionals or lay individuals travelling to an area experiencing
an outbreak of EHF and who are providing care for ill individuals should
be fully informed on infection control guidelines and how to prevent direct
exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
World Health Organization (WHO): Infection
control for viral haemorrhagic fevers in the African health care setting.
As a reminder to Canadians travelling internationally…
The Public Health Agency of Canada routinely recommends that Canadian
international travellers seek the advice of their personal physician or
travel clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless
of destination, for an individual risk assessment to determine their individual
health risks and their need for vaccination, preventative medication and
personal protective measures.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends, as well, that travellers
who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada should seek a
medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform
their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or
living outside of Canada, and where they have been.
Additional Information:
For information on infection control, see:
World Health Organization (WHO): Practical
Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Facilities
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC): Routine
Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission
of Infection in Health Care
For additional information on general health and travel, visit the Public
Health Agency of Canada’s web page on General
Advice for Travellers
