Sierra Leone has intensified Ebola surveillance at its international airport and land borders following reports of confirmed infections in Kenya and Nigeria, prompting renewed efforts to prevent the virus from spreading into the country.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) said it was strengthening preparedness measures in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant institutions to improve the detection of suspected infections among arriving travellers.
In a public notice issued on October 18, NPHA said it was monitoring an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The notice reported seven cases in Kenya, including one death.
However, reports published by Al Jazeera and Reuters on October 20 indicated that Kenya’s confirmed cases had risen to nine. Reuters and the BBC also reported that Nigeria had confirmed its first case associated with the ongoing outbreak after laboratory tests detected the virus in a woman in Abuja.
In response to the regional developments, NPHA said screening and monitoring were being reinforced at Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings, particularly for travellers arriving from countries affected by the outbreak.
The agency urged travellers to cooperate with health officials and provide accurate information about their health, recent movements and possible exposure to the virus.
NPHA warned that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is ill or has died, as well as through contaminated materials. Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Anyone developing symptoms after travelling from an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected Ebola patient has been advised to call 117 immediately, avoid close contact with others and refrain from using public transportation while awaiting instructions from health officials.
The agency also advised travellers arriving from Kenya, the DRC and other affected areas to monitor their health for 21 days after arrival, even if they had undergone screening at their point of entry. Individuals who know they have been exposed to an Ebola patient were urged to report the exposure promptly, even if they have not developed symptoms.
According to NPHA, all travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone must complete the required health declaration through https://poep.npha.gov.sl within 72 hours before travelling and keep their confirmation details available for verification by Port Health officials.
Healthcare workers have also been urged to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, use appropriate protective equipment and report suspected cases through established public health channels. Employers and organisations arranging travel to affected countries have been encouraged to provide staff with relevant health guidance.
NPHA called on the public to remain vigilant without panicking, rely on verified information from the agency and the Ministry of Health, and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation. It further stressed the importance of treating travellers and people affected by the outbreak with dignity and respect.
The agency did not report any confirmed Ebola case in Sierra Leone in the notice provided. However, the reported infections in Kenya and Nigeria have heightened the importance of continued surveillance and preparedness as health authorities work to limit the risk of further transmission.
NPHA reiterated that anyone who suspects an Ebola infection should call 117 and follow official public health guidance.