Freetown, Sierra Leone – The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health have called on the public and health workers to heighten vigilance following confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a linked imported case in Uganda.
In a press release issued yesterday, the NPHA stated that while the current risk to Sierra Leone remains low, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have activated enhanced surveillance measures across the country.
As of May 15, 2026, the DRC has recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Uganda has confirmed one imported case with no local transmission reported so far. The agency emphasized that there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola in Sierra Leone.
Ebola Virus Disease Overview
Ebola is a rare but severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people or animals, and via surfaces contaminated with these fluids. It is not transmitted through air, water, or food.
Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Symptoms typically appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure.
Public Health Measures in Place
The NPHA assured the public that:
– Surveillance at all points of entry and health facilities has been strengthened for early detection and rapid response.
– The agency is coordinating with the Africa CDC, ECOWAS health authorities, WHO, and other international partners for real-time information sharing.
– Rapid Response Teams are on standby across all 16 districts, with isolation protocols and personal protective equipment reviewed and replenished.
– Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities will be intensified to keep communities informed and prepared.
Advice to the Public
The Ministry of Health and NPHA urged citizens to:
– Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas in the DRC and Uganda until further notice.
– Avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of anyone sick with or who has died from unexplained illness, particularly hemorrhagic fever.
– Avoid handling bodies of deceased persons who may have had hemorrhagic symptoms; safe and dignified burial practices must be observed.
– Practice regular handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
– Seek immediate medical attention and call 117 if symptoms develop.
Appeal to Health Workers
Health workers in both public and private facilities have been instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with hemorrhagic fever symptoms, especially those with a history of recent travel to affected countries. Suspected cases must be immediately reported to the nearest District Health Management Team or the NPHA Emergency Operations Centre.
The public is encouraged to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and rely exclusively on official government channels for updates.
The press release was signed by Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency.
