CDC issues Level 2 travel advisory for Bundibugyo virus disease in DRC and Uganda

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel notice regarding active outbreaks of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The advisory, which categorises the risk level as "Practice Enhanced Precautions," urges travellers to take additional steps to protect their health when visiting these nations.

Bundibugyo virus disease is a specific strain of Ebola virus disease. Both Uganda and the DRC are currently experiencing outbreaks of this virus, prompting the US health agency to update its travel guidance for the region. The notice aims to inform travellers of the current health landscape and recommend appropriate safety measures.

The CDC’s guidance applies differently across the two affected countries. For Uganda, the Level 2 advisory covers the entirety of the nation. In the DRC, the notice applies to provinces outside the specific areas where the outbreak is currently concentrated. Travellers to the DRC are advised to exercise enhanced precautions regardless of whether they are visiting the affected zones or other provinces.

The advisory does not provide specific case numbers or detailed timelines for the outbreaks in either country. The primary instruction remains consistent for all travellers to the region: practice enhanced precautions. This typically includes measures such as avoiding contact with blood or body fluids of sick people, avoiding contact with animals that may carry the virus, and practising safe food and water habits.

Health officials emphasise that the Level 2 classification indicates a moderate risk level where enhanced precautions are warranted. Travellers are encouraged to review the full CDC travel notice for detailed recommendations on prevention and to consult with healthcare providers before making travel plans to the region.