Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

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To: Local Health Care Providers

Situation summary

On May 15, 2026, an Ebola outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. On May 16, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the Ebola outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (World Health Organization).

Currently, there are no identified cases or contacts in Ontario. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s assessment indicates that risk to Canada remains low. No additional local actions are required beyond reviewing the guidance linked below.t

Notification and coordination

If Ebola or another viral hemorrhagic fever is suspected, clinicians are to follow the Notification Pathway for Special Pathogens (Ministry of Health).

• Immediately implement recommended IPAC measures (PDF, Public Health Ontario), including appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Do not draw blood for VHF or any other testing. Additional precautions are required for specimen collection, laboratory processing, and transport. See also:
  • Laboratory guidance, including Diagnostic Testing for Viruses That Cause Hemorrhagic Fevers (PDF, May 2026).
• VHF Test Information Sheet(May 2026)Consult hospital or local IPAC team or hub, where available.
• Complete a comprehensive risk assessment using the VHF Clinical Risk Assessment Tool(PDF, May 2026), gathering as much information as possible on patient travel history, symptoms and potential exposures.
• Consult an infectious diseases physician for a secondary assessment, if required and available.

If suspicion for VHF remains after completion of the clinical risk assessment (and following consultation with an infectious disease physician, if available):

• Notify the Ministry of Health via the 24/7 Health Care Provider Hotline at 1.866.212.2272 (ext. 1). Within 30 minutes of notification, the Ministry of Health will convene a call with relevant health partners to assess the situation.
• Notify Public Health Sudbury & Districts by calling 705.522.9200, ext. 772 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or 705.688.4366 after hours and on weekends.

For questions, please contact the Control of Infectious Disease Program at 705.522.9200, ext. 772 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or after-hours and on weekends at 705.688.4366.

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

Emily Groot, MD, MPH, FRCPC (she/her)
Associate Medical Officer of Health