Historical outbreak briefing · Updated May 30, 2026

1996 - Ebola haemorrhagic fever in South Africa - Update 2

0 confirmed 0 probable 0 deaths Source: WHO

The Ebola haemorrhagic fever outbreak in South Africa was first reported on 26 November 1996, according to the World Health Organization's Disease Outbreak News. As of the latest update, the outbreak remains contained with no new cases detected.

The current case count stands at 2 confirmed cases, with no probable or suspected cases reported. Unfortunately, 1 death has been reported, resulting in a case fatality ratio of 50%. The World Health Organization reports these numbers.

The outbreak is currently limited to South Africa, with no reported cases in other countries. There is no information available on any vessel or aircraft outbreaks.

The public health response to the outbreak is ongoing, with the Department of Health tracing and monitoring contacts of the affected individuals. For the latest updates on this outbreak, please refer to the World Health Organization's Disease Outbreak News at https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/1996_11_28b-en.

Primary source: WHO — 1996 - Ebola haemorrhagic fever in South Africa - Update 2

Countries with reported cases

ZA South Africa

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