By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA -The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, has issued a National Health Alert following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where at least 65 people have reportedly died.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), approximately 246 Ebola cases have been recorded in the DRC’s Ituri Province, particularly in the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara.
The outbreak has since been officially declared by the continental health agency as emergency response teams intensify efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The situation has also raised regional concern after neighboring Uganda confirmed one imported Ebola case linked to the outbreak in DR Congo. Ugandan authorities reported that a 59-year-old man who recently traveled from DR Congo tested positive for the virus after his death on Thursday.
In response to the growing health threat, Liberia’s Ministry of Health on May 16, 2026, reassured the public that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Liberia.
However, authorities say the country remains on high alert and is closely monitoring developments in collaboration with regional and international public health partners.
The Ministry noted that Liberia’s painful experience during the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic continues to shape the country’s preparedness and response strategies.
Health officials say improvements have been made in disease surveillance, laboratory systems, border health screening, emergency preparedness, and healthcare worker training to strengthen national readiness against potential outbreaks.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease believed to have originated from bats and was first discovered in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The current outbreak marks the country’s 17th recorded Ebola epidemic.
According to health experts, the virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rash, and severe bleeding in advanced cases.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), alongside the Ministry of Health and international partners, continues surveillance and preparedness measures across the country, including monitoring at border entry points and healthcare facilities, public awareness campaigns, and coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC.
Meanwhile, the public is being urged to remain calm, maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, and promptly report suspected illnesses to health authorities.
Liberian health authorities say the situation remains under close observation and have assured the public that updates will continue to be provided through official channels as efforts intensify across the region to contain the outbreak.
About The Author
