The Ministry of Health is urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Nigeria, where public health and security risks regarding the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus are of greatest concern.
The DRC remains in active outbreak of the Ebola Virus as of October 18, and has reported over 9,000 confirmed cases and over 4,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“In light of the further spread of Bundibugyo Virus Disease within Africa, including Kenya and Nigeria, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has elevated the regional risk assessment from low to moderate,” the Ministry said in a statement on Monday. “Direct travel links between Nigeria and the Caribbean, together with the interconnected nature of regional travel, increase the possibility for Ebola virus disease to be imported into the Caribbean.”
In light of the continued outbreak in the DRC, the Ministry has strengthened surveillance, preparedness, and response measures to reduce the risk of introduction and transmission.
These measures include enhanced screening and monitoring of travellers at ports of entry, strengthening preparedness and infection prevention and control measures within health facilities and ongoing coordination with regional and international partners to ensure effective preparedness, early detection, and timely response capacity.
Persons traveling to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, and Burundi, are also urged to exercise extreme caution and remain informed of developments.
The travel advisory will remain in effect for an initial period of three months and will be reviewed regularly based on the evolution of the outbreak and the associated public health risks, according to the Ministry.
Additionally, nationals and non-nationals returning from the DRC may be required to undergo 21 days of monitoring and/or quarantine, as determined by public health authorities, based on their potential exposure and travel history.
“Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, unexplained bleeding or other signs of illness following travel to an affected or high-risk area should seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare providers,” the Ministry said.
Starting November 3, 2026, all persons boarding an international flight to the U.S. must attest (sign a statement) that they have not been present in the DRC in the 21 days before boarding the flight.
According to the Ministry, “This order was issued on October 22, 2026 by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the United States of America.”
The Bundibugyo Ebola Virus currently has no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, making prevention, early detection, and prompt public health response particularly important.
“While no cases have been reported in Saint Lucia or the wider Caribbean, the continued movement of people and goods through international travel and trade presents a potential risk for the introduction of infectious diseases across borders,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry says it will continue to monitor the international and regional situation closely and will provide timely updates and further guidance as necessary. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow official public health advice, and seek information from reliable sources.