Singapore's communicable disease agency has announced enhanced public health measures to prevent travelers from bringing the Ebola virus, which is currently spreading in two African countries, into the country.
On 19 May 2026, Singapore's Communicable Disease Agency (CDA) announced an upgrade to public health measures following the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda, aiming to prevent imported cases from slipping through.
The CDA stated that health advisories have been implemented at all entry and exit points in Singapore for both inbound and outbound travelers.
Inbound travelers arriving from affected destinations are advised to self-monitor for Ebola symptoms for 21 days from their departure date and to promptly see a doctor if they feel unwell.
Meanwhile, outbound travelers planning to visit the affected regions have been advised to take necessary preventive measures to reduce their risk of infection.
The CDA added that it is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust public health measures if risk assessments change.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after DR Congo confirmed the outbreak last week. So far, there have been 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases.
Although the CDA noted that there are no direct flights from DR Congo and Uganda to Singapore and travel volumes remain low, doctors have been alerted to increase vigilance and monitor for Ebola symptoms in patients with recent travel history to affected areas.
The CDA also revealed that all medical practitioners and laboratories are required to immediately notify the agency if they identify confirmed or suspected Ebola cases. Additionally, electronic Health Declaration Cards (eHDC) are being used, requiring incoming travelers to declare their health status and travel history.
"Travelers will undergo medical assessment at entry points if they exhibit symptoms consistent with Ebola and have recently traveled to affected regions," the CDA emphasized.
Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, who is attending the World Health Assembly in Geneva, posted on Facebook that the situation in the affected African countries is deteriorating and "we expect to see a significant rise in deaths and infections in the coming days and weeks."
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Source:cna