The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the current risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) spreading to the Caribbean remains low, despite the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of the outbreak in Africa as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
In a media release issued on May 21, CARPHA said it is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda through its regional early warning and surveillance systems.
The WHO declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on May 16, 2026, prompting heightened international vigilance and coordination efforts.
According to CARPHA, the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a relatively rare form of the virus for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments.
CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar said the Caribbean remains vulnerable because of its role as a major international travel hub, even though the overall risk remains low.
“Despite the low risk, CARPHA is urging its Member States to maintain a high state of readiness,” Dr. Indar said.
The agency explained that Ebola is primarily spread through close physical contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person who is already showing symptoms, or through contact with contaminated materials.
CARPHA said it continues to use several regional surveillance tools to support early detection and monitoring, including the Tourism and Health Information System (THiS), the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS), syndromic surveillance systems and social listening platforms.
The agency also confirmed that on May 18 it partnered with the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) to reactivate an advanced electronic screening system at regional border entry points.
According to CARPHA, the system is designed to securely identify and review the travel history of passengers arriving from or transiting through affected areas in Africa, while minimising disruptions to travel and trade.
Ebola symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
CARPHA said people infected with Ebola only become infectious once symptoms begin to appear.
The agency stressed that while the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic, it remains a serious international health event requiring coordinated global action.
CARPHA said it will continue monitoring developments closely and provide updates to member states and regional partners as new information becomes available.