BASSETERRE — The Ministry of Health is actively monitoring an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has assessed the risk to the Caribbean, including St. Kitts and Nevis, as low.
As of May 19, 2026, more than 500 suspected cases have been reported, with 131 deaths linked to the current outbreak. The World Health Organization’s Director-General declared the PHEIC, underscoring the need for heightened global vigilance and coordinated public health action.
Laboratory testing has confirmed the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus — one of four primary strains known to affect humans. The outbreak is concentrated in the Ituri Province of north-eastern DRC, with additional cases reported in Kampala, Uganda. The Bundibugyo strain was first identified in Uganda in 2007 and carries a case fatality rate of 25% to 50%, generally lower than other major Ebola strains.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has assessed the risk to the Caribbean, including St. Kitts and Nevis, as low. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health says it remains committed to protecting residents and has outlined a three-pronged response strategy.
Port health surveillance is being enhanced in collaboration with CARPHA, given that international travel remains the primary potential pathway for the virus to enter the Federation. The Ministry is also activating its National Ebola Preparedness Plan — strengthening infection prevention and control measures, ensuring adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, and updating clinical management protocols. Timely public updates will be provided through regional and international public health networks.
Ebola virus disease is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or secretions of an infected person, including vomit and semen. Transmission may also occur through contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms — which may appear between two and 21 days after exposure — include fever, severe headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding. Severe cases can progress to multi-organ failure, shock, and death.
The Ministry of Health is encouraging residents to remain informed through official government updates and to continue practicing good hygiene and infection prevention measures.
— Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Tuesday, May 19, 2026