The National Center for Disease Control in Libya has announced that the country remains free of confirmed or suspected Ebola cases. However, the center is increasing its readiness for early detection and rapid response as the outbreak spreads in several African countries. Through national and international surveillance channels, the center is closely monitoring developments regarding Ebola outbreaks.
The center has classified Ebola as one of the most dangerous viral hemorrhagic fevers, posing a direct and urgent threat to life. Without immediate medical intervention and early isolation, death rates are high. The epidemiological situation in Libya remains stable, with surveillance and rapid response teams on heightened alert. Monitoring measures and preparedness have been enhanced to detect and respond to any suspected cases according to established protocols.
The current Bundibugyo strain outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in May 2026 and is the largest outbreak for this strain and the second largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. According to the World Health Organization, a total of 9,668 confirmed cases and 4,649 deaths have been reported so far. Nearly half of confirmed cases in Congo have died, with 4,646 deaths out of 9,637 cases, or 48.2%.
The outbreak is accelerating again, with 1,466 new cases in the past 21 days compared to 1,328 in the previous period, a 10.4% increase. Deaths have also risen from 644 to 692. The disease has crossed borders, with cases now in Kenya and Nigeria. Past spillovers into Uganda and France have ended, but infected travelers may bring the virus to new countries before being diagnosed.
The center has identified several ways the virus can spread, including direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, contact with surfaces or items contaminated by patient fluids, and close contact with travelers from outbreak areas without proper protection. The virus does not spread through casual contact with asymptomatic people, and diagnosis is only confirmed by laboratory testing.
The center has issued strict warnings to travelers and close contacts, advising them to report symptoms immediately and avoid travel to high-risk countries unless absolutely necessary. Travelers to these countries are advised to take precautions such as avoiding contact with anyone showing fever or fatigue, frequent handwashing, and staying away from caves, mines, and rainforests.
The center has also circulated recommendations to various institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions, urging them to delay visas for people from or passing through high-risk countries and to postpone non-urgent visits. Citizens and residents are advised to rely solely on official sources for information and to avoid sharing unverified news or rumors, with the center stressing that public awareness and strict adherence to guidelines are key to preventing the spread of the disease.
Key points
- The National Center for Disease Control has issued warnings for travelers to high-risk countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria.
- The Ebola outbreak has spread to several African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria, with a total of 9,668 confirmed cases and 4,649 deaths reported so far.
- The center has urged citizens and residents to rely solely on official sources for information and to avoid sharing unverified news or rumors.
