Sierra Leone Heightens Ebola Surveillance Following Cases in Kenya
Aaron Parker The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has heightened Ebola surveillance and preparedness across Sierra Leone following reports of seven confirmed cases, including one death, in Kenya linked to an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a public notice issued on 18 October 2026, the NPHA said it was closely monitoring developments in Kenya and working with the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant institutions to strengthen preventive measures across the country.
According to the agency, Kenyan health authorities confirmed four additional cases on 17 October, involving three healthcare workers who treated the first patient and a relative of that patient. The cases represent the first reported person-to-person transmission within Kenya.
However, Kenyan authorities have indicated that the affected individuals were already under quarantine, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of the notice.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has been reported in the DRC. The NPHA noted that although there is currently no approved vaccine specifically for this strain, early detection, prompt medical care and effective infection prevention measures remain critical to controlling the disease.
As part of its response, Sierra Leone is strengthening health screening and surveillance at Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings, with particular attention to travellers arriving from affected countries.
The agency has urged travellers to cooperate with Port Health officials and provide accurate information about their health status, recent travel history and any possible exposure to the virus.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is ill or has died, as well as through contact with contaminated materials. Symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure and may include sudden fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Bleeding may occur in some cases but is not always present.
The NPHA has advised anyone who develops symptoms after travelling from an affected country or coming into contact with a suspected Ebola patient to call 117 immediately for guidance. Such individuals are advised to avoid close contact with others and refrain from using public transport while awaiting instructions from health officials.
Travellers arriving from Kenya, the DRC or other affected areas have also been urged to monitor their health for 21 days after arrival, even if they have passed screening at their point of entry. Anyone with known exposure to an Ebola patient should report it immediately, even if symptoms have not developed.
The agency further reminded travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone to complete the required health declaration through https://poep.npha.gov.sl within 72 hours before travel. Travellers are expected to provide accurate information and retain their confirmation details for verification by Port Health officials.
Members of the public have been encouraged to practise regular handwashing with soap and water, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and refrain from handling the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola.
Healthcare workers have also been urged to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, use appropriate protective equipment and promptly report suspected cases through established public health channels. Employers and organisations facilitating travel to affected countries have been advised to provide appropriate health guidance to their staff.
The NPHA has called on the public to remain calm but vigilant, rely on verified information from the agency and the Ministry of Health, and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation. It also urged the public to treat travellers and affected individuals with dignity and respect.
The agency said the government remains committed to protecting public health through strengthened surveillance, early detection, preparedness and coordinated response measures, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation evolves.
The NPHA has reiterated that early reporting saves lives and urged anyone who suspects an Ebola infection to call 117 immediately.
