Sierra Leone Boosts Ebola Border Screening Following Kenya Outbreak
Sierra Leone has heightened Ebola surveillance at Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings following reports of seven confirmed cases, including one death, in Kenya, according to the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).
In a public notice issued on October 18, 2026, NPHA said it was closely monitoring developments in Kenya, where the cases were linked to an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Kenyan health authorities reported four additional cases on October 17, involving three healthcare workers who had treated the first patient and a relative of that patient. These were the first reported cases of person-to-person transmission within Kenya. According to the notice, the affected individuals were already in quarantine, and there was no evidence at the time of wider community transmission.
NPHA said it was working with the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant institutions to strengthen surveillance and preparedness, particularly at points of entry. Travellers arriving from affected countries are being urged to cooperate with health officials and provide accurate information about their health, travel history and possible exposure.
The agency also advised anyone who develops symptoms after travelling from an affected country or coming into contact with a suspected Ebola patient to seek immediate guidance.
“Anyone who develops symptoms after travelling from an affected country or having contact with a suspected Ebola patient should call 117 immediately,” the notice stated.
Symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure and may include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. NPHA noted that bleeding may occur in some cases but is not always present.
Travellers arriving from Kenya, the DRC or other affected areas have been advised to monitor their health for 21 days after arrival, even if they have passed screening at a point of entry. Anyone who knows they have been exposed to an Ebola patient should report the exposure immediately, even if they have no symptoms.
The agency also reminded travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone to complete the required online health declaration within 72 hours before travel and retain their confirmation details for verification by Port Health officials.
The outbreak in the DRC involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. NPHA said there is no approved vaccine specifically for this strain, making early detection, prompt medical care and infection prevention measures important to controlling its spread.
The public has been advised to avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, as well as potentially contaminated belongings. Healthcare workers have also been urged to follow infection prevention and control procedures and report suspected cases promptly.
“NPHA urges the public to remain calm but vigilant,”
the notice stated, urging people to rely on verified information, avoid spreading rumours and misinformation, and treat travellers and affected individuals with dignity and respect.
The agency said it would continue monitoring developments and provide updates as the situation evolves. The notice describes heightened surveillance and preparedness measures in Sierra Leone in response to the reported cases in Kenya; it does not announce a confirmed Ebola case in Sierra Leone.
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