Bishkek, May 18, 2026 /Kabar/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic reports.
According to WHO and international epidemiological surveillance services, the outbreak is associated with the Ebola Bundibugyo virus and has resulted in confirmed cases and deaths. Authorities in the region, together with international partners, are implementing a comprehensive response, including contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, patient isolation, and enhanced sanitary and epidemiological surveillance.
Ebola fever is a particularly dangerous viral infection with a high fatality rate. It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected person or animal, as well as through contaminated objects and surfaces. Airborne transmission is not typical for the Ebola virus.
Symptoms may include:
- sudden fever;
- severe weakness and fatigue;
- headache and muscle pain;
- sore throat;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- in some cases, hemorrhagic manifestations (bleeding).
"No cases of Ebola fever have been registered in Kyrgyz Republic. The risk of infection being imported into the country is currently assessed as low, but the Ministry of Health is taking all necessary measures to ensure the healthcare system is prepared for possible biological threats," the ministry noted.
The National Coordinator for the International Health Regulations (IHR) and Deputy Minister of Health Gulnara Ishenapysova, as well as the Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Department of Health and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, are continuously monitoring the international epidemiological situation and coordinating with the World Health Organization and relevant international organizations.
Furthermore, inspection is underway to ensure the preparedness of sanitary and quarantine points at the state borders in the event of the importation of Hantavirus infection.
Kyrgyz Ministry of Health recommends that citizens:
- consider the epidemiological situation when planning tourist, business, and official trips to African countries;
- observe personal hygiene measures;
- if symptoms develop during flight or at the airport, notify specialists at the airport's Sanitary and Quarantine Points;
- upon returning from countries where Ebola cases have been reported and symptoms appear (fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding), seek medical attention immediately and report your travel itinerary.
If you suspect an infection or have any questions, please call the Public Health Emergency Operations Center hotline at 0312 323292.
The ministry continues to monitor the situation and will promptly inform the public about changes in the epidemiological situation.