In May 2026, an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak was confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) subsequently declared a Public Health Emergency. While the likelihood of spread to European populations remains very low, vigilance and strict infection prevention measures are essential in healthcare settings.

Ebola virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever characterized by systemic infection and a high mortality rate. The virus is transmitted to humans from animals and spreads within the human population primarily through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

GENRE

Ebola virus is an enveloped virus belonging to the Filoviridae family (genus Orthoebolavirus), with fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family considered as the natural reservoir.

TRANSMISSION

Transmission occurs through:

Zoonotic transmission:

• Contact with infected wild animals (bats, primates, antelope) via:
• Blood
• Organs
• Secretions

Human-to-human transmission:

• Direct contact with:
• Blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, semen
• The body of deceased patients
•  
• Indirect transmission through:
• Contaminated surfaces or medical equipment

 

ICUBATION

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days. No transmission occurs during the incubation period.

SYMPTÔMES

Symptoms typically begin with a flu-like syndrome and may rapidly evolve into severe disease with haemorrhagic manifestations.

CONTAGION

Patients become contagious only after the onset of symptoms. Infectivity increases as the disease progresses, with the highest viral load observed in late stages and after death.

Infection Prevention and Control Measures

Due to the high risk of transmission through contact with infected bodily fluids, strict implementation of both standard and transmission-based precautions is critical in healthcare settings.

Les principales mesures sont les suivantes :

• Strict hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub, in accordance with the WHO 5 Moments
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): medical mask or respirator (FFP2/FFP3/N95), eye protection, gloves, fluid-resistant gown or overall protection
• Safe donning and doffing procedures and proper disposal of PPE
• Immediate cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces using products effective against enveloped viruses
• Frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces
• Safe handling and disposal of medical waste and biological samples
• Patient isolation in dedicated Ebola treatment units when possible
• Restriction and control of visitors
• Limitation of healthcare workers exposure to trained personnel only

Disinfection Requirements

Filoviridae are enveloped viruses. Selon la norme européenne EN 14885, les désinfectants doivent démontrer leur efficacité contre les virus enveloppés.

*Phase 2 step 1 and Phase 2 step 2 results have to be considered to define product conditions for use.