After Ebola Mission
The incubation period for Ebola is up to 21 days. During the 21 days following the last possible exposure, any episode of fever can cause concern, even when the actual risk of developing the disease is very low.
The risk of infection depends on the type of work carried out and the level of potential exposure. The degree to which the local transmission is under control with reliable surveillance systems influences the risk exposure to staff.
At present, the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is not under control, and reliable surveillance systems are not yet fully established.
For this reason: All staff who have spent time in an Ebola transmission zone are required to complete a 21-day observation period supported by MSF.
MSF prioritises staff health and safety and has a responsibility to ensure that staff movements do not introduce Ebola into unaffected countries.
Page last updated: 16th June 2026
What is a red zone?
OCG-designated "red zones" are areas of active transmission of Ebola.
DRC
- For OCG, all projects in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu are currently considered red zones. This is broadly aligned with the assessments of other MSF Operational Centres. This zoning is likely to change as the outbreak moves.
UGANDA
- For OCG, the districts of Kampala and Wakiso are currently considered red zones.
- Staff may pass through Entebbe airport (Wakiso District) if travelling directly to a green zone.
Staff may still be required to complete 21 days of monitoring if they have visited any location in DRC or Uganda under the rules of their country of destination.
Why are new measures necessary?
Responding to an Ebola outbreak creates specific health, operational and administrative challenges. Many countries have introduced enhanced screening and monitoring requirements for travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda.
The temporary measures outlined below are intended to protect staff, ensure access to appropriate medical care if required, and allow OCG to focus its operations on a safe and effective response.
Please be prepared for this guidance to evolve as the situation changes. We aim to facilitate movements as much as possible, but we all need to be prepared for the possibility that we will need to be more, rather than less, restrictive. While we do not yet have all the answers, we are committed to communicating regularly and transparently as decisions are made.
OCG vs WHO
PHEIC assessments
OCG's approach is based on a risk analysis of the actual zones of transmission. Many national authorities, however, apply WHO PHEIC guidance and therefore consider the entire country to be at risk. For example, Kinshasa, DRC is classified as a high‑risk area by many national authorities.
This difference in risk assessment can lead to divergent advice from OCG and national authorities. For instance, OCG may decide that an international mobile staff (IMS) who have not been in an OCG-defined red zone may leave Kinshasa without completing the MSF 21‑day observation period. However, they should be aware that national authorities in their country of destination may still require a 21-day observation period based on national public health requirements.
EXIT RISK ASSESSMENT
- At the end of your assignment, you will attend a specific medical debriefing. During this debriefing, the staff health focal point in Tf21 will assess your level of risk related to any unknown potential exposure.
- As part of the risk assessment, you and the staff health focal point will jointly identify the last day of unknown potential exposure. This date marks the start of the MSF-determined 21-day observation period.
- During the 21 days following this date, specific monitoring will be required so that MSF can respond appropriately in the event of fever.
- Even when all precautions and protocols are respected, it is important to manage a fever that might occur during this period which may create concerns for you, the people around you and for healthcare providers.
- During your monitoring period, you will also be offered a talk with a psychologist from the SHU.
Where does the 21-day monitoring take place?
- A number of conditions must be met to validate the place of stay during the post‑assignment monitoring period for an Ebola project.
- The country will be identified and discussed before your departure. The TF21 staff health validates the monitoring location based on medical criteria.
- The medical criteria is an MSF validated hospital which can test and treat Ebola.
- In general, the period of observation is done in your country of MSF contract if that country meets the medical criteria.
- For staff whose country of contract does not meet medical criteria, it is likely you will not be able to return home. TF21 will discuss what other arrangements can be made for you at your pre-departure briefing.
- Countries may impose additional return restrictions (e.g. airport checks) which must be respected. See the travel guidelines here.
- Some national regulations are very strict and demand a period of 21 days quarantine (strict isolation) instead of monitoring (free to move). MSF will also investigate more comfortable options for staff whose national regulations are extremely restrictive.
- You should expect to also be contacted by local authorities and asked to complete self-monitoring.
- In all cases, because national regulations can evolve very quickly during an Ebola outbreak, confirmation of the post‑assignment follow‑up location will be definitively validated at the time of your exit from the project.
What should I do and not do during the 21-day monitoring period?
- The monitoring period is not a confinement or quarantine. If you are in good health, you can have a normal life and work (in case you are on a detachment) - taking care not to have contact with another illness that could cause a fever. Depending on your symptoms we may need to arrange with the national authorities for you to be tested for Ebola. This is a stressful process for you and for MSF that we wish to avoid.
- This is why we recommend that you avoid crowds, young children, and confined spaces and continue with malaria prophylaxis. You should take your temperature twice a day.
- During the post‑assignment follow‑up period, use your common sense to avoid getting sick. We trust staff to respect the recommendations put in place to keep you as safe as possible.
- During this period, MSF will extend your contract (see Mobility and admin FAQs page). This will help you avoid returning to work back at home too early and reduce the stress linked to a possible progression of the fever.
- It will not be possible to go on holiday wherever you wish before the end of this follow‑up period, and more generally, travel is prohibited during this period by national authorities
What if I develop fever or feel unwell during the 21-day monitoring period?
- You must self-isolate immediately.
- You must then contact the OCG TF21 on +4179 886 73 63 for Staff Health advice. They will guide you through the monitoring and management of your fever, in line with the guidelines in the country where you are located.
How can I take care of my mental health after returning from an Ebola mission?
Returning from an Ebola deployment can be a unique experience and often requires a period of adjustment. During the mission, you may have faced intense emotions, challenging situations, and high levels of stress that can be difficult for others to fully understand. You may also have chosen not to share some of your fears or concerns during the mission in order to protect your family and friends from worry.
After returning, it can be helpful to:
- Identify a few trusted people with whom you feel comfortable speaking openly about your experience.
- Give yourself time to readjust. Returning from an Ebola mission can require an adaptation period, so allow yourself time to rest, recover, and focus on self-care.
- Take advantage of the psychosocial support available. A TF21 psychologist will contact you at the beginning of your 21-day observation period and again halfway through to provide a confidential space for discussion and support.
- Remember that seeking support is a normal and healthy part of the adjustment process.
How to prepare my family for my return from the Ebola mission?
- Inform your loved ones before you leave and when you return.
- See Guidance for family members document.