Ebola Disease

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Temporary federal border measures are in effect for travellers from Ebola-affected areas.
The Government of Canada has announced temporary measures under the Quarantine Act for travellers who have been in affected areas within the previous 21 days. Effective May 30 at 23:59 EDT until August 29, 2026, travellers without symptoms are required to quarantine for 21 days. Travellers who do not have a place where they can quarantine safely will be provided with an appropriate location. Travellers with symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment. Please refer to the Government of Canada’s travel and Ebola information for the most up-to-date guidance, as federal measures may change with little notice.

What is Ebola Disease?

Ebola disease is a rare but serious illness that can cause fever and other symptoms in humans and some animals. Ebola disease is spread through contact with bodily fluids from someone who is sick with the disease. In severe cases, this serious viral infection can cause internal and external bleeding and may lead to death.
Are Canadians at risk of contracting Ebola?
The public health risk to Canadians from Ebola is low as the Ebola virus does not spread easily from person to person. It is spread primarily by direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who is infected with Ebola, not through casual contact. There has never been a case of Ebola in Canada. For information about outbreaks of Ebola in other countries, refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.
I have arrived recently from one of the affected countries - what should I do? 

Travellers from a country experiencing an Ebola outbreak are generally advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after leaving the affected area. Symptoms of Ebola disease can begin 2 to 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop during this period, separate yourself from others and contact your local public health unit for further instructions. Do not go directly to a clinic or hospital unless instructed to do so. Travellers may also be screened by a Public Health Agency of Canada Quarantine Officer upon entry into Canada and may be given instructions or an Order to report to their local public health unit. Federal or provincial governments may require additional measures, including quarantine or isolation, depending on current policy and individual circumstances. 

To report to Ottawa Public Health:

  • Call 613-580-6744 ext. 24224 during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; or
  • Call the number already provided to you by the Quarantine Officer; or
  • If after regular business hours, call 3-1-1 and ask to speak to Ottawa Public Health.

A Public Health Nurse will assess your level of risk and provide instructions about activities during the 21-day monitoring period.

If you need medical care while you are monitoring for Ebola symptoms or have been instructed to quarantine, do not attend a clinic, doctor’s office, emergency department, or other healthcare setting without calling ahead, unless you need emergency care. Instead, do the following:

  • For non-urgent or routine healthcare, consider deferring or rescheduling your appointment until the 21-day monitoring or quarantine period is complete, unless you have been given different instructions by public health, a Quarantine Officer, or your healthcare provider.
  • For urgent health concerns that are not immediately life-threatening, call Ottawa Public Health, the number provided by the Quarantine Officer, or your healthcare provider before attending. You may be given instructions about where and how to access care.
  • For emergency or life-threatening health concerns, call 9-1-1. Tell dispatch/paramedics that you are monitoring for Ebola disease or are under federal quarantine, and that you have recently travelled from an Ebola-affected area. This helps paramedics and the receiving healthcare facility prepare appropriate precautions.

This information may change as federal or provincial guidance evolves. Follow any instructions you receive from the Public Health Agency of Canada, a Quarantine Officer, Ottawa Public Health, the Ministry of Health, or your healthcare provider.
What are the symptoms of Ebola infection?
  • Symptoms of Ebola infection begin within two to 21 days after exposure.
  • Initial symptoms of Ebola include sudden onset fever (>38°C), feeling tired, headache, muscle pain and weakness, sore throat, rash, unexplained bleeding or bruising, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
  • Signs more specific to Ebola that may present later in some patients can include pink eyes, rash, and both internal and external bleeding. 
Is there treatment for Ebola?
Vaccines and treatments exist for some types of Ebola disease, but not all. Treatment involves symptom management and supportive care for those who have been infected. All persons with symptoms of Ebola who are awaiting testing will be hospitalized.
How can Ebola be prevented?

Before travelling, check the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) website for any travel notices or restrictions for the latest recommendations, as travel advice and border measures may change with little notice. To reduce your risk when travelling in an area affected by Ebola disease:

  • Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of Ebola disease.
  • Avoid contact with blood or body fluids from a person who is sick.
  • Avoid contact with items that may be contaminated with body fluids.
  • Follow local public health guidance.
  • Wash your hands often.
What is the role of Ottawa Public Health?
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) nurses are available to answer questions, assess risk of exposure in returning travellers from the Ebola affected area and make recommendations for follow-up such as self-monitoring of symptoms. OPH is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure timely assessment, management and follow up of returning travelers who become ill.
Travel Information
For information regarding travel notices or restrictions please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada Travel Health Notices.

For further information on Ebola, visit the following websites:

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