The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has informed lawmakers that 16 foreigners from an Ebola-hit country are being monitored for signs of infection.
Appearing before Plenary of the House of Representatives on May 26, 2026, in Monrovia on Tuesday May 26, 2026, the Acting Director General of the National Public Health Institute, Dr. Sia Watta Camanor, said individuals from Ethiopia and Uganda who recently entered Liberia are under surveillance in an effort to heighten the robust preparedness against the reemergence of the Ebola virus in the country.
According to her, the ongoing monitoring of the situation does not suggest that the individuals have tested positive for the virus, but is intended as a precautionary measure implemented by health authorities to prevent any potential outbreak in the country.
She added that NPHIL is working in close collaboration with the regional health authority, noting, “We aim to strengthen cross-border partnerships to enhance the surveillance system and establish a rapid response mechanism aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers.”
Dr. Camonar emphasized that the National Public Health Institute is taking all necessary precautions to protect Liberians from Ebola and related viral diseases. The Ministry of Health and international partners are working to ensure the country is prepared for any public health threat, urging all citizens to remain vigilant and to stay away from misinformation. She noted that there is no need to be afraid because there is currently no Ebola in the country.
According to her, Liberia remains on high alert due to recurring outbreaks of Ebola and related viral diseases in parts of Africa, prompting health authorities to intensify screening at major entry points, including airports and border crossings.
She assured lawmakers that NPHIL continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and international partners to ensure the country is prepared for any public health threat, urging all citizens to remain vigilant and to stay away from any misinformation, noting that there is no need to be afraid because there is no Ebola in the country.
She added that Liberia remains on high alert due to recurring outbreaks of Ebola and related viral diseases in parts of Africa, prompting health authorities to intensify screening at major entry points, including airports and border crossings.
She assured lawmakers that NPHIL continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and international partners to ensure the country remains prepared to detect and respond swiftly to any potential threat.
On Monday, May 25, 2025, health authorities in Monrovia heightened Ebola surveillance measures at all points of entry following reported outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to an advisory, travelers will now undergo mandatory screening as part of efforts to prevent the virus from entering the country. It also added that on May 16, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
According to the advisory, considering the rapid spread of the disease in the DRC, the Government of the Republic of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has activated the EVD public health measures at Points of Entry for travelers in addition to ongoing measures in keeping with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
As a result, the advisory noted, the Government of the Republic of Liberia herewith issues this EVD Travel Advisory No. 01, May 22, 2026, with immediate effect as follows:
All travelers arriving from or transiting through DRC or Uganda will be required to truthfully fill out a Traveler’s Surveillance Form provided onboard or upon arrival, at all points of entry (airports, ground crossings, and seaports), and health screening, including body temperature, will be checked.
It furthered that a person suspected of having signs and symptoms of EVD or any other infectious disease will be managed accordingly, in keeping with the National Point of Entry Standard Operating Procedures.
The advisory added that all travelers will be provided with health information, advised to self-monitor and report on signs and symptoms of EVD or any other infectious disease to the nearest health facility or call toll-free number 4455. All travelers and conveyance operators should adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures such as handwashing, use of sanitizers, and avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
Among others, the advisory furthered that any contaminated conveyance with suspected persons, cargo, or human remains of EVD or any other infectious disease will be decontaminated at the Point of Entry to control the spread of the disease.
