Supporting Preparedness with Ebola Disease Resources

On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

About Ebola Disease
Ebola disease is a serious illness caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses and is spread through close contact with the bodily fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola disease or who has died from it, such as blood, vomit or stool. An infected person cannot spread the infection before symptoms begin. Infection can also occur through contact with infected animals.

Symptoms may begin suddenly and can include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache and sore throat. As the illness worsens, symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and problems with kidney and liver function. In some cases, severe bleeding can occur.

The risk to people in Ontario remains low.

PHO Supports Ontario’s Preparedness and Response
We are supporting our Ontario public health and health system partners by sharing new and updated resources, intended to support health care providers and public health units with clinical risk assessment, infection prevention and control, surveillance, and testing.

• PHO also provides specialized laboratory testing in collaboration with the National Microbiology Laboratory and have developed tools to support early identification and evidence-based decision-making. Testing for orthoebolaviruses and other viruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) is only considered for individuals who have compatible symptoms and a relevant travel history or possible exposure. In assessing a patient with a potential VHF like Ebola disease, clinicians are recommended to use PHO’s VHF Clinical Risk Assessment Tool. If after assessment, a VHF is suspected clinicians are required to notify the Ministry of Health who will review the comprehensive risk assessment and support decision‑making regarding testing.

All Ebola disease resources are available on our dedicated Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF) webpage, which will continue to be updated as more resources become available. Please check back often.