Becca Chatfield

A Travel Risk Management Perspective on the Current Outbreak By Travel Risk Academy | 28 May 2026 Expert review by Jennifer Milton, CEO of Compass Point Assist, and Thierry Montrieux, Founder of Summit Consulting When the World Health Organisation declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026, most headlines focused on case numbers and death rates. As Jennifer Milton, CEO of Compass Point Assist, reminds us: “Outbreaks like this very quickly become far more than purely ‘medical’ events. In reality, they rapidly evolve into operational, continuity, assistance, and duty of care challenges as well.” This is the perspective organisations with personnel in East Africa need right now – not just the epidemiology, but the operational reality of what this outbreak means for students, NGO staff, expatriates, and the institutions responsible for their safety. The Current Situation: What We Know As of late May 2026, official data show that the outbreak has escalated significantly from early reports. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Around 105 laboratory-confirmed cases Around 900+ suspected cases Over 200 deaths (suspected and confirmed) Affected provinces include Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu Uganda 7 laboratory-confirmed cases, all in or linked to Kampala 1 confirmed death All cases linked to travel from DRC rather than sustained community spread WHO situation reporting also notes that, by mid‑May, a combined total of several hundred suspected cases and over a hundred deaths had already been reported across both countries, underlining how fast the outbreak has grown from initial detection. Laboratory capacity remains limited in some affected areas, so many cases remain classified as “suspected” pending confirmation. Public health experts warn the true scale may be higher than official figures due to delayed detection, insecurity, and population movement across porous borders. What Makes This Outbreak Different This outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola species that has not caused a major outbreak in over a decade. Two features are particularly important for organisations: There are no licensed vaccines specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). There are no approved strain-specific antiviral treatments, although experimental vaccines and therapeutics are under development. Historical data from previous Bundibugyo outbreaks suggest a case fatality rate of roughly 30–50%, with outcomes heavily influenced by rapid identification, supportive medical care, and robust infection prevention and control. However, there is a crucial piece of context often missing from outbreak reporting: “Ebola is significantly less transmissible than airborne respiratory diseases because spread requires direct contact with infected body fluids.” — Thierry Montrieux, Summit Consulting Ebola does not spread through the air in the same way as COVID‑19, influenza, measles, or tuberculosis. Transmission requires direct contact with infectious bodily fluids from a symptomatic person. For most travellers and personnel who avoid direct contact with sick individuals, healthcare settings treating Ebola patients, and funeral activities, the overall risk of infection remains low. The Operational Reality: Beyond Direct Exposure From a travel risk and business continuity perspective, the real impact extends far beyond those directly exposed to the virus. As Jennifer Milton notes: “Even personnel not directly exposed to Ebola may still be heavily impacted operationally through overwhelmed healthcare systems, movement restrictions, border measures, misinformation, staffing issues, and reduced local infrastructure capability.” Thierry Montrieux of Summit Consulting adds another layer to this: “From a travel risk management standpoint, the real question is not only ‘How many cases?’ but ‘How quickly will this overwhelm local systems, and what does that mean for access, movement, and decision-making on the ground?’” In practical terms, organisations may face: 1. Medical Access Disruption Healthcare systems in affected areas may divert resources to Ebola response, reducing capacity for routine and emergency care. Non-Ebola patients may experience longer waits, fewer available beds, and delays in diagnostic tests. Access to medications, specialist care, and elective procedures may be constrained. 2. Movement and Border Complications Enhanced screening at airports and borders (temperature checks, health declarations) can create delays and uncertainty. Internal checkpoints and movement restrictions may disrupt road travel and logistics. Regional flights and cross-border operations may be rescheduled, rerouted, or suspended on short notice. 3. Medical Evacuation Constraints This is an area where Thierry’s expertise is especially relevant: “Medical evacuation for suspected or confirmed Ebola cases may be severely restricted and requires specialist arrangements.” — Thierry Montrieux, Summit Consulting Standard air ambulance services may refuse suspected or confirmed infectious disease cases. Specialist isolation-capable aircraft are limited and expensive. Destination countries and receiving hospitals may decline to accept cases, even with insurance in place. The ability to evacuate a sick staff member cannot be assumed; it must be planned and verified. 4. Staffing and Continuity Challenges Heightened anxiety may drive staff to seek reassignment or early return. Family concerns can influence personnel decisions, especially for students and NGO staff. Quarantine or monitoring requirements can affect staffing levels even where infection risk is low. 5. Communications and Misinformation Conflicting media reports and social media rumours can undermine confidence in organisational decisions. Stigma associated with Ebola may affect team dynamics and community relationships. Organisations must provide regular, factual updates to counter fear-based narratives. What Organisations Should Do Now From a TRA standpoint, this is the “preparedness window” – the moment to act before pressure peaks. Review Medical Referral Pathways Identify which facilities in your areas of operation are designated Ebola treatment centres and which are available for non‑Ebola care. Map reliable local providers for urgent but non‑Ebola concerns (injuries, chronic conditions, routine emergencies). Clarify how staff or students should access care out of hours or in remote locations. Confirm Medical Evacuation Arrangements Speak directly with your medical assistance/evacuation providers about infectious disease capabilities. Confirm: Whether suspected Ebola cases are covered What aircraft and isolation equipment are available Which destination hospitals will accept such cases Likely timelines, approvals, and costs Build plans for scenarios in which medevac is delayed, declined, or not viable. Establish Clear Escalation and Decision Thresholds Define what triggers changes in operations: e.g. new cases