Ebola and Marburg: returning workers scheme (RWS)

All workers returning from areas affected by Ebola or Marburg virus should be risk assessed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

About the scheme

UKHSA (formerly Public Health England) established the returning workers scheme (RWS) in November 2014, as part of arrangements to protect and monitor the health of those who travel to Ebola affected areas for their work. This is part of a coordinated effort to protect the health of the wider public.

The RWS is for any business or organisation that has staff who travel to the UK from areas affected by Ebola or Marburg virus. This includes humanitarian and healthcare organisations, as well as media and other organisations that are sending workers to situations where they might be directly exposed to Ebola or Marburg virus.

To ensure that UKHSA is able to establish prompt and efficient screening arrangements, and can provide organisations with regular updates and guidance we ask that:

• organisations undertaking business in Ebola or Marburg affected areas must register with the UKHSA returning workers scheme
• once registered, organisations should provide UKHSA with the travel details of all staff (paid or unpaid) returning from Ebola or Marburg affected areas, in advance of their arrival into the UK

Current outbreak areas

The RWS is currently active due to an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda.

On 27 September 2024, health authorities in Rwanda confirmed detection of Marburg in patients in health facilities in the country. Rwanda should be considered a Marburg affected area until further information is available.

There are currently no active outbreaks of Ebola or Marburg virus disease.

Register for the scheme

Contact returningworkersscheme@ukhsa.gov.uk to find out more about the scheme and to register.

Further information about Ebola or Marburg

See Viral haemorrhagic fevers: epidemiology, characteristics, diagnosis and management.