At a glance
- This page provides information for people traveling to the United States from an area with an outbreak of Ebola disease.
- CDC is monitoring an outbreak of Ebola disease in areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
- At this time, areas of concern include all of DRC and Kampala in Uganda.
- The full scope of the outbreak is rapidly evolving.
- CDC is assessing travelers into the United States who have been in DRC or Uganda, as well as neighboring South Sudan, for symptoms of and possible exposure to Ebola.
Overview
Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids (saliva, semen, sweat, feces, vomit, and others) of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola disease. You can also get Ebola disease from contact with certain wild animals or their body fluids. Ebola virus can be spread by bats, nonhuman primates, and forest antelopes.
If you have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, watch your health for 21 days after you left the country. Watch for
- Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or feeling feverish
- Headache or body aches
- Rash
- Weakness or tiredness
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness)
If you were in the area of concern, take your temperature every day and again if you feel sick.
If you were in one of these countries but NOT in the area of concern, take your temperature if you feel sick.
Your health department will follow-up with you during the 21 days after you left the affected country. This follow-up is determined by whether you were in an area of concern during the previous 21 days and what you did there.
If you plan to travel, tell your health department before you travel.
Public health authorities may provide additional instructions for some travelers.
What to do if you get sick after travel
If you develop signs or symptoms of Ebola disease:
- Separate yourself from others (isolate).
- Call your local health department for advice about medical care. Tell the health department about your recent travel from a country with an Ebola outbreak and what your symptoms are so they can identify the best healthcare facility for you to go to, if needed. The health department can help the facility prepare to provide care for you and take any precautions needed. Follow all their instructions.
- If you can't reach your health department and you need urgent medical care, call a healthcare provider. Tell them your symptoms and that you were recently in a country with an Ebola outbreak. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting the health department and take any precautions needed.
- Do not travel while sick. Travel only when you have been cleared by a doctor or health official.