Freetown, 6th October 2026- The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has urged Sierra Leoneans to remain alert but calm following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Kenya, warning that increased vigilance is essential given air travel links between the two countries.
In a public advisory issued on October 6, the Agency disclosed that Kenyan health authorities had confirmed the country’s first imported Ebola case after a traveller from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) passed through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi, where the patient later died.
The case comes amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC involving the Bundibugyo strain, which health authorities say has resulted in thousands of reported infections and deaths.
The NPHA assured the public that measures are already in place to reduce the risk of the disease entering Sierra Leone, with health officials maintaining surveillance at the country’s borders and entry points.
“The Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and NPHA continue to maintain vigilance at points of entry,” the Agency stated, noting that all travellers are screened for signs and symptoms at Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings.
Health authorities are urging travellers to cooperate fully with screening procedures and provide accurate information about their health status, travel history and any contact with sick persons.
According to the NPHA, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or contaminated materials of an infected person, whether living or deceased. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and often begin with sudden fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or skin rash.
The Agency stressed that bleeding is not always present and warned that anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately rather than waiting for more severe signs to develop.
The NPHA also advised anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to the DRC or Kenya, or after contact with a suspected Ebola patient, to call the national emergency number 117 without delay. Individuals are being urged to avoid close contact with others, refrain from using public transport and follow the guidance of health officials.
Travellers returning from the DRC or Kenya have further been advised to monitor their health for 21 days after arrival, even if they passed routine screening at ports of entry, and to report any known exposure to Ebola patients immediately.
As part of ongoing disease surveillance efforts, the Agency reminded all travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone to complete the mandatory online health declaration through the national travel portal within 72 hours of travel and to retain their confirmation details for verification.
The NPHA also encouraged the public to maintain regular handwashing, avoid contact with the bodily fluids or belongings of suspected Ebola patients, and refrain from handling the bodies of persons believed to have died from the disease.
While assuring citizens that preventive measures are in place, the Agency called on the public to rely on official information, avoid spreading rumours and show compassion towards affected families and travellers.
“Please remain calm, stay alert and report concerns early,” the Agency urged.
