Ebola outbreak: Singapore's CDA introduces enhanced health measures for travellers

Doctors have also been reminded to remain vigilant for patients with compatible symptoms and recent travel history to affected regions.

Singapore has stepped up precautionary public health measures in response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 16 May 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (19 May), the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said it is closely monitoring the situation and has introduced enhanced border and health surveillance measures to reduce the risk of importation into Singapore.

The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of the Ebola virus, with authorities describing the situation in the affected regions as "serious", citing significant ongoing transmission in both countries.

While there are no direct flights from the DRC or Uganda to Singapore and travel volumes remain low, CDA said Singapore already has systems in place for the early detection and management of Ebola disease. Medical practitioners and laboratories are required to immediately notify the agency of all confirmed and suspected Ebola cases, while incoming travellers are also required to submit their health status and travel history through the Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC).

The following additional measures have been implemented effective 19 May:

Health advisories on the Ebola outbreak will now be displayed at all entry points for inbound and outbound travellers:

• Incoming travellers from affected destinations will also be instructed to monitor themselves for symptoms of Ebola disease for 21 days from their date of departure and seek medical attention promptly if they become unwell.
• Outbound travellers heading to the affected regions have also been advised to take precautions to reduce their risk of infection.

According to CDA, doctors in Singapore have also been reminded to remain vigilant for Ebola disease in patients presenting with compatible symptoms and recent travel history to affected areas.

The agency added that it will continue to monitor developments closely and adjust public health measures should the risk assessment change.

Background on the Ebola diseases

Ebola disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, with an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days. As shared by CDA, it is transmitted primarily through direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces or materials, and in some cases through contact with infected animals or bushmeat.

Symptoms typically begin suddenly and include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, and multi-organ impairment. According to CDA, a person infected with Ebola is not contagious until symptoms appear.

Previous outbreaks caused by the Bundibugyo virus are said to have recorded fatality rates ranging from 30% to 50%, and there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics specifically targeting this strain.

CDA has advised travellers to the DRC and Uganda to practise good personal hygiene, avoid contact with unwell individuals and animals such as bats and primates, and refrain from participating in funeral or burial ceremonies involving direct contact with the deceased.

Travellers have also been urged to avoid visiting healthcare facilities treating Ebola patients unless necessary, and to avoid consuming or handling bushmeat or meat from unknown sources.

Those who develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, or unexplained bleeding during or after travel to affected areas have been told seek medical attention immediately and inform doctors of their recent travel history and any potential exposure risks.

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