Freetown, Sierra Leone— The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has intensified health screening and prevention protocols at Freetown International Airport following reports of a new Ebola outbreak in parts of Central Africa.
In a public notice issued on May 29, 2026, SLCAA Director General Musayeroh Barrie confirmed that enhanced precautionary measures have been introduced to prevent any potential cross-border transmission of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Barrie stressed that the steps are proactive, as no cases have been reported in Sierra Leone.
The current outbreak, involving the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, began in early May 2026 in Ituri Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Health authorities have recorded hundreds of suspected and confirmed cases, with some linked to cross-border movement into Uganda. The World Health Organization has described the regional risk as very high due to ongoing conflict, population displacement, and challenges in healthcare access, though the global risk remains low.
Strengthened Airport Protocols
The new measures at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) include continuous sensitization and training for health and airport staff, widespread deployment of Ebola awareness materials, mandatory hand sanitization at key points, and routine temperature screening for all passengers and airport users.
Additionally, the airport clinic has been placed on full operational readiness, with a dedicated ambulance on standby for immediate response to any suspected cases. Social distancing protocols have also been reinforced in busy passenger areas where practical.
These actions form part of Sierra Leone’s broader national preparedness strategy and align with international health and aviation standards set by the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The country, which lost nearly 4,000 lives during the devastating 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic, continues to maintain robust surveillance systems built from that experience.
Other West African nations have similarly heightened screenings at borders and airports in recent weeks.
Director General Barrie urged travelers and the public to remain calm, follow all health guidelines, and fully cooperate with airport personnel. Travelers experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, or unusual bleeding are encouraged to report them promptly.
As of now, Sierra Leone reports no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases. National health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with regional and international partners.
