Dubai: The UAE has strengthened travel and health precautionary measures following the spread of Ebola virus disease in parts of Africa, especially in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised UAE nationals and residents to avoid travelling to these countries unless the trip is absolutely necessary.
The latest advisory comes as African health authorities and the World Health Organization continue to respond to a serious Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. According to recent reports, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded hundreds of confirmed cases, while Uganda has also reported confirmed infections and deaths. WHO has launched a $518 million six-month response plan to control the outbreak, support affected countries, improve screening, and strengthen preparedness in neighbouring regions.
No Ebola Cases Reported in the UAE
UAE health authorities have reassured the public that no Ebola cases have been reported in the country. The Ministry of Health and Prevention stated that precautionary systems were activated after a traveller who passed through the UAE was later confirmed to have Ebola outside the country. Officials also urged the public to avoid rumours and rely only on official updates.
New Entry and Visa Precautions
As part of the preventive response, the UAE has announced additional precautionary measures for arrivals from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Reports say the measures include restrictions related to new visas and tighter entry procedures for travellers linked to the affected countries. These steps are intended to reduce the risk of imported infections and protect public health.
Emirates Issues Passenger Advisory
Emirates has also issued a travel advisory, informing passengers that several countries have introduced entry restrictions and enhanced screening due to Ebola. The airline advised travellers to check the latest destination entry requirements through official government channels before flying.
Travellers may face additional checks at airports, including health screening, travel history review, and symptom monitoring depending on their destination or recent travel route.
Why Ebola Is a Serious Concern
Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person or animal. It does not spread like flu through casual airborne contact, but close physical contact with infected body fluids can be dangerous.
Common symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Severe weakness
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Internal or external bleeding in severe cases
Health experts advise anyone who recently travelled from an Ebola-affected area and develops symptoms to isolate immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
WHO Raises Global Concern
The World Health Organization has described the outbreak as a major public health emergency due to cross-border transmission risks, delayed detection, and challenges in contact tracing. Reports indicate that the outbreak in DRC may have started earlier than first detected, giving the virus time to spread before the official response began.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which is particularly concerning because there are no widely approved vaccines or specific treatments for this strain. Supportive medical care, early isolation, contact tracing, and community awareness remain key tools in controlling the disease.
Travel Advice for UAE Residents and Passengers
Travellers from the UAE are advised to avoid unnecessary trips to Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan at this time. Those who must travel should register with the UAE’s official travel support service, follow airline and airport instructions, avoid contact with sick individuals, and monitor their health after returning.
Passengers are also encouraged to keep checking updates from UAE authorities, airlines, and the destination country before departure, as entry rules may change quickly.
