By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone’s health authorities have intensified nationwide surveillance and emergency preparedness measures following fresh Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, amid growing regional concern over the deadly virus that once devastated West Africa.
In a detailed press release issued in Freetown on 15 May 2026, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health assured citizens that there are “currently no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Sierra Leone,” while stressing that the country remains on heightened alert due to developments within the region.
The statement, signed by the Executive Director of the NPHA, Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr, warned that health authorities are “closely monitoring the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a linked imported case in Uganda.”
According to the release, the DRC has recorded “246 suspected cases and 65 deaths” as of 15 May 2026, while Uganda confirmed “one imported death with no local transmission reported.”
“Although the current risk to Sierra Leone remains low, the NPHA is maintaining heightened vigilance due to the regional situation,” Prof. Sahr stated in the release.
For Sierra Leoneans, the renewed Ebola alert revives painful memories of the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic that killed nearly 4,000 people in the country and left deep scars on communities, families, and the nation’s healthcare system. The outbreak brought economic activity to a near standstill, overwhelmed hospitals, and exposed the fragility of public health systems across the Mano River region.
More than a decade later, authorities say Sierra Leone is far better prepared.
The NPHA disclosed that “surveillance at all points of entry and health facilities has been enhanced for early detection and rapid response,” indicating that health officials are particularly focused on border screening, case detection, and rapid containment strategies.
In addition, “Rapid Response Teams are on standby across all 16 districts,” while “isolation protocols and personal protective equipment supplies” are being reviewed and replenished at key health facilities nationwide.
The agency also emphasized its coordination with regional and international institutions to prevent cross-border transmission.
“The NPHA is in active coordination with the Africa CDC, ECOWAS health authorities, and international partners including WHO to monitor developments and share real-time information,” the statement noted.
Health experts say the government’s quick response reflects lessons learned from Sierra Leone’s previous encounter with Ebola, which remains one of the deadliest public health emergencies in the nation’s history. During that crisis, thousands of healthcare workers and volunteers were mobilized, while emergency measures ranging from quarantines to nationwide awareness campaigns became part of everyday life.
In the latest advisory, the NPHA explained that Ebola Virus Disease is “a rare but severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus.” The release further stated that the current outbreak in the DRC involves the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
The agency clarified that Ebola spreads “through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons or animals, and through surfaces contaminated with these fluids,” but stressed that the disease “is not transmitted through air, water, or food.”
Authorities listed several symptoms associated with Ebola, including sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and unexplained bleeding or bruising in severe cases. Symptoms can appear “between 2 and 21 days after exposure.”
The government also issued a series of public health advisories, urging Sierra Leoneans to “avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas in DRC and Uganda until further notice.” Citizens were additionally warned to avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of anyone suspected to be infected, particularly individuals suffering from unexplained haemorrhagic fever.
“Practise regular handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser,” the statement advised, while urging anyone experiencing symptoms to “seek immediate medical attention and call 117.”
The release further warned against unsafe burial practices, advising citizens to avoid “handling the bodies of deceased persons who may have had haemorrhagic symptoms,” and stressed that “safe and dignified burial practices must be observed.”
In a direct appeal to frontline medical workers, Prof. Sahr urged healthcare professionals in both public and private facilities to maintain “a high index of suspicion” for any patient presenting haemorrhagic fever symptoms, especially individuals with recent travel history from affected countries.
“Any suspected case must be immediately reported to the nearest District Health Management Team (DHMT) or to the NPHA Emergency Operations Centre,” the statement emphasized.
The agency also reminded health workers that “standard infection prevention and control precautions must be strictly observed at all times.”
Across Freetown, the announcement has generated both anxiety and cautious optimism. While many residents expressed confidence that Sierra Leone’s public health systems are more experienced today than during the 2014 outbreak, others fear the social and economic consequences another Ebola crisis could trigger.
Public health analysts believe the country’s greatest strengths now lie in community awareness, stronger disease surveillance systems, and regional collaboration. However, they warn that misinformation and complacency could still undermine response efforts if vigilance declines.
In concluding the release, Prof. Sahr encouraged Sierra Leoneans to remain calm and responsible.
“The public is encouraged to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and follow updates exclusively from official Government channels,” he stated.
As neighbouring countries battle fresh Ebola cases, Sierra Leone now faces the difficult task of balancing preparedness with public reassurance — determined to ensure that the painful lessons of the past become the foundation of a stronger and faster response should the virus threaten its borders once again.
