Health Ministry Monitoring Ebola Outbreak in Congo and Uganda, Says Risk Remains Low

By S.Browne. Updated 12:44 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy says it is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda, while assuring Vincentians that the current risk to St Vincent and the Grenadines remains low.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 22, the ministry noted that the outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), triggering heightened international surveillance and preparedness measures.

“The outbreak has the potential to spread across borders and requires coordinated international monitoring, preparedness, and response efforts to reduce the risk of further transmission within other regions,” the ministry stated.

According to the ministry, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern represents the highest level of global public health alert issued by the WHO and is reserved for events that pose a significant risk to international public health.

Despite the declaration, health officials stressed that there is currently no immediate threat to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“At this time, the risk to St Vincent and the Grenadines remains low,” the ministry said, adding that it is “actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with regional and international public health partners including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).”

The ministry said the approach of the summer travel season makes continued vigilance important and encouraged members of the public travelling internationally to remain informed about health advisories.

“As the upcoming summer travel season approaches, travellers are encouraged to remain informed and practice general health and safety precautions when travelling,” the statement said. “Persons travelling to or from affected regions should pay close attention to official travel advisories and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of illness after travel.”

Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms can include fever, weakness, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and unexplained bleeding.

The ministry also disclosed that it continues to monitor other international public health developments, including reports of hantavirus, as part of ongoing national and regional disease surveillance efforts.

Reaffirming its commitment to public health protection, the ministry said it remains focused on preparedness and evidence-based communication.

“The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines through timely public health monitoring, preparedness, and evidence-based communication,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Health has not announced any travel restrictions or additional public health measures for St Vincent and the Grenadines at this time.