By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone has heightened Ebola surveillance and preparedness measures following confirmation by Kenya of its first imported Ebola case on October 6, 2026.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has strengthened monitoring at key points of entry, including the Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings, as part of efforts to prevent the importation and possible spread of the disease.
According to the NPHA, Kenya’s confirmed case involved a patient who travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), passing through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi, where the patient later died.
The development has prompted Sierra Leonean health authorities to increase screening and surveillance at the country’s points of entry, with the aim of detecting suspected cases early and ensuring that travellers from affected or high-risk areas receive appropriate monitoring.
The NPHA has urged travellers to provide accurate information about their health status and recent travel history to health officials at points of entry.
The agency said anyone who develops symptoms associated with Ebola within 21 days of travelling from the DRC or Kenya, or following possible contact with an infected person, should immediately call the national emergency health line 117.
The public has also been advised to avoid close contact with others if symptoms develop and to follow instructions from health authorities.
Symptoms of Ebola may include sudden fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and skin rash.
The NPHA stressed that bleeding does not occur in every Ebola case, warning people not to wait for bleeding before seeking medical attention.
Travellers returning from affected areas have been advised to monitor their health for 21 days and immediately report any known exposure to an infected person.
The renewed alert comes against the background of an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which, according to the public notice, has recorded more than 8,000 reported cases and over 4,000 deaths.
However, health authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.
The NPHA has encouraged citizens to maintain good hygiene, remain vigilant and rely on official health updates for accurate information.
The strengthened surveillance forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader preparedness efforts to detect and respond to potential infectious disease threats at an early stage.
Health authorities are calling on travellers, border communities and the general public to cooperate with screening teams and promptly report suspected cases or possible exposure as the country strengthens its preparedness against Ebola.