By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Sierra Leone has ramped up health screening at its airports, seaports, and border crossings after health authorities confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The National Public Health Agency issued the alert Sunday, May 17, 2026, announcing the activation of emergency protocols and heightened surveillance nationwide. Officials said the measures are precautionary, stressing that Sierra Leone has no confirmed, suspected, or probable Ebola cases.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain in Ituri Province, DRC, where 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported. Uganda has also recorded one imported fatality linked to the same cluster.
To mitigate the risk, the National Emergency Health Committee has convened and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been moved to Alert Level 2, signaling heightened readiness.
Under the response plan, enhanced screening is now in place at Lungi International Airport, Freetown Harbour, and key land borders including Kambia, Gbalamuya, and Kailahun. The government has also pre-positioned personal protective equipment, isolation kits, and rapid diagnostic supplies in the Western Area and border districts.
While the NPHA rates Sierra Leone’s immediate risk as “low,” NPHA Executive Director Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr said the country’s experience during the 2014–2016 epidemic demands a proactive stance.
“We cannot afford to be reactive. Early detection and rapid containment are our best defense,” he said.
The agency urged the public to call 117 immediately if they or anyone they know develop symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or unexplained bleeding, particularly after travel from Central Africa.
Healthcare workers have been directed to maintain a high level of suspicion for patients with relevant travel history, strictly follow infection prevention protocols, and isolate suspected cases until rapid response teams arrive.
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