Addis Ababa, May 25, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has announced that intensive national preparedness efforts are underway to prevent the possible spread of Ebola virus disease following reported outbreaks in neighboring African countries.
The Ministry said the preventive measures were launched after the World Health Organization reported outbreaks of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to the update, more than 101 laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in the affected countries, while over 900 suspected contacts are currently under medical observation.
Describing Ebola as a highly contagious disease with a high fatality rate, the Ministry stressed that no suspected or confirmed Ebola case has so far been identified in Ethiopia.
Although Ethiopia shares no direct border with the affected countries, the Ministry stated that it has been working closely with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute to strengthen national preparedness since the outbreak was announced, citing the seriousness of the disease.
The ongoing measures include enhanced screening and surveillance at all international land entry and exit points, intensified monitoring at international airports, preparations at health facilities, and efforts to expand laboratory testing capacity.
The Ministry further noted that extensive preparations are also being carried out to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies and response resources.