By Haddy Touray
The Ministry of Health has activated heightened surveillance and response measures following the declaration of an Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.
In a public health advisory issued on Thursday, the ministry said the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have classified the outbreak as a major public health emergency.
The WHO declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026, while the Africa CDC designated it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security a day later.
The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has been reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of an Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda,” the statement said, adding that The Gambia is in close contact with international health partners and is closely monitoring developments.
Health authorities stressed that no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in The Gambia at present, urging the public to remain calm but vigilant.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or tissues of infected persons or contaminated materials.
Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding, with early detection and supportive care improving survival chances.
The ministry advised frequent handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based sanitiser, and warned against close contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever or bleeding.
It also cautioned against handling or consuming bushmeat, including bats, monkeys and other wild animals.
On burial practices, the ministry urged the public to avoid handling bodies of persons suspected to have died from Ebola or unknown causes, and to report such cases immediately to health authorities for safe management.
The ministry said it has intensified preparedness measures, including surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders, reactivation of rapid response teams, and public awareness campaigns.
The National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been placed on alert to closely monitor the situation.
Members of the public have been urged to report suspected cases or unusual deaths to the nearest health facility or through the 24-hour toll-free hotline 1025.-0-PANA MSS-25May2026