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Communicable Diseases Agency
Press Releases

Precautionary measures stepped up in response to Ebola disease outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

19 May 2026

  1. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) is closely monitoring the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and has stepped up precautionary public health measures to prevent importation to Singapore.  

  2. On 16 May 2026, the World Health Organization declared that the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations. The situation in the DRC and Uganda is serious, with significant ongoing transmission in the affected regions. 

Enhanced Public Health Measures 

  1. There are no direct flights from the DRC and Uganda to Singapore, and travel volume is low. Nevertheless, Singapore already has measures in place for the early detection and management of Ebola disease. These include:

    1. Medical practitioners and laboratories are required to notify CDA immediately of all confirmed and suspected cases of Ebola disease.  

    1. The Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) requires incoming travellers to declare their health status and travel history. Travellers will be subject to medical assessments at points of entry if they present with symptoms compatible with Ebola and have travelled to the affected areas. 

  2. From 19 May 2026, we will also put in place the following measures:  

    1. Health advisories on the current Ebola outbreak will be displayed at all points of entry for incoming and outbound travellers.  

      1. Incoming travellers from affected destinations will be instructed to monitor themselves for symptoms of Ebola disease for 21 days from their date of departure and to seek medical attention promptly if unwell.  

      2. Outbound travellers planning to visit the affected regions are advised to take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of infection.  

    2. CDA has reminded doctors to remain vigilant for Ebola disease in patients presenting with compatible symptoms and recent travel history to affected areas.   

  3. CDA is monitoring the situation closely and will adjust our public health measures should the risk assessment change. 

About Ebola Disease

  1. Ebola Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, with an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days. It is mainly transmitted through direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected persons – including the bodies of those who have died from the disease – as well as surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. People may also be infected through contact with infected animals or bushmeat.  

  2. Symptoms typically begin suddenly and include fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, and headache. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, and multi-organ impairment. A person infected with Ebola is not contagious until symptoms appear.

  3. Case fatality rates in previous Ebola disease outbreaks caused by the Bundibugyo virus have ranged from 30 to 50%. There are currently no approved therapeutics or vaccines specifically targeting the Bundibugyo virus. 

Advice for Travellers 

  1. CDA advises individuals travelling to the DRC or Uganda to monitor the situation closely and exercise caution. To reduce the risk of infection of Ebola disease, travellers should take the following precautionary measures: 

    • Practise good personal hygiene. 

    • Avoid contact with persons who are unwell, especially those showing symptoms of Ebola disease (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhoea). This includes avoiding contact with their blood or any bodily fluids, and refraining from sharing personal items with them. 

    • Avoid participating in funerals or burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the deceased, especially those who have or may have died from Ebola disease. 

    • Avoid visiting healthcare facilities, especially those treating Ebola patients, unless necessary. 

    • Avoid contact with animals, especially bats and primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas). 

    • Avoid eating, cooking or handling bushmeat (meat from wild animals) or any meat from unknown sources.

  2. Travellers who develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding during or after travel to affected areas should seek medical attention immediately. They should inform their doctors of their recent travel history, itinerary and any potential exposure such as to animals, unwell persons, hospitals and participation in funerals or burial ceremonies.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY 

19 May 2026 

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