Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda

Seychelles activates preparedness plan, public at low risk

The Ministry of Health informs the public that an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026. Uganda has since confirmed two imported cases.

On May 16, 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the situation a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ (PHEIC). Countries not bordering DRC and Uganda, including Seychelles, are currently assessed to be at low risk.

Preparedness measures

The Seychelles Ebola preparedness and response plan has been re-activated under its key pillars, including:

• Enhanced surveillance at ports of entry, health facilities, and communities

• Reinforced infection prevention and control measures

• Clinical case management readiness

Transmission and symptoms

Ebola spreads through close contact with the body fluids of an infected person. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.

Symptoms may appear suddenly and include:

• Fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, headache, sore throat

• Followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash

• Impaired kidney and liver function

Public guidance

The Ministry strongly discourages non-urgent travel to affected countries. Members of the public are urged to:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing

• Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of infectious illness

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates.

Source: Seychelles Nation Newspaper / Press release from the Ministry of Health Images: CDC.gov