By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia – Liberia’s Ministry of Health has issued a national health alert after an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak was reported in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As of May 16, 2026, no confirmed cases have been recorded in Liberia.
The ministry said it is monitoring the situation closely with regional and international public health partners. Surveillance, border health measures, and public awareness activities have been intensified to maintain national readiness.
Liberia remains wary of Ebola due to the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, the largest in the disease’s history. The epidemic killed over 4,800 people in Liberia alone and overwhelmed the country’s health system, disrupting schools, trade, and essential services. The experience exposed gaps in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and emergency response, but also led to major reforms.
Since then, the Ministry of Health, together with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia and partners, has strengthened disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency preparedness, and healthcare worker training. Coordination with the World Health Organization and Africa CDC is ongoing.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person, contaminated objects, and infected animals or animal products. Transmission occurs only after symptoms appear. Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding in severe cases.
The ministry urged the public to remain calm, practice regular handwashing, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, and report suspected illnesses promptly. It said updates will be provided through official channels as the situation evolves.
