By: Osman Ibrahim Marah
The National Public Health Agency says it has intensified Ebola surveillance and preparedness measures across Sierra Leone following reports of confirmed cases in Kenya linked to an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a public notice dated October 18, 2026, the NPHA said Kenyan health authorities had confirmed seven cases, including one death. Four additional cases were reported on October 17, involving three healthcare workers who treated the first patient and a relative of that patient.
According to the notice, the affected individuals were already under quarantine, with no evidence of wider community transmission reported at the time.
The NPHA said it was working with the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and other institutions to strengthen surveillance, particularly at Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings.
The agency is urging travellers arriving from Kenya, the DRC and other affected areas to monitor their health for 21 days after arrival.
Sierra Leone’s Ebola preparedness was reported at 51 per cent as of May 22, 2026, below the World Health Organization’s cited benchmark of 80 per cent. Four African countries- DRC, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria have reportedly recorded confirmed cases during the current outbreak, although Uganda’s outbreak has been declared over.
Sierra Leone experienced one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks in history in 2014 and 2015, recording 8,704 confirmed cases and 3,589 confirmed deaths. The WHO declared the outbreak over on November 7, 2015.
Symptoms of Ebola may include sudden fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected case is advised to call 117 immediately and provide accurate information about their travel history and possible exposure.
The NPHA has also reminded travellers to complete the required health declaration within 72 hours before travelling. It urged the public to remain calm, follow official health advice and avoid spreading misinformation.
