Saint Lucians advised to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Kenya, and Nigeria

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is advising Saint Lucians to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria amid the spread of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BVD) in Africa.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Sharon Belmar George issued the advisory following an increase in the regional risk assessment by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), from low to moderate.

As of October 18, 2026, the DRC remained in an active outbreak, with 9 552 confirmed cases and 4 602 deaths, representing a reported case fatality ratio of 48.1 per cent, according to the CMO. 

“The outbreak has affected 23 provinces in the DRC, although transmission levels vary across provinces and health zones,” she said.

Kenya recorded its first imported case and death from BVD on October 6, marking the first reported Ebola case in the country. By October 20, nine confirmed cases had been reported, all linked to the initial case. 

On the same date,  Nigeria confirmed an imported case in Abuja involving a person who had travelled from Uganda. Forty-four contacts were identified for monitoring.

“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,” Dr Belmar George said.

Sher added that direct travel links between Nigeria and the Caribbean, together with the interconnected nature of regional travel, increased the possibility of the disease being imported into the region.

The Ministry said it 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,” Dr Belmar George added.

Travellers to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, the Republic of the Congo and Burundi are also being urged to exercise extreme caution and stay informed about developments.

The travel advisory will remain in effect for an initial period of three months and will be reviewed regularly based on the outbreak’s progression and the associated public health risks. 

The Ministry said Saint Lucians and non-nationals returning from the DRC may be required to undergo 21 days of monitoring and/or quarantine, depending on their potential exposure and travel history, as determined by public health authorities. 

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 CMO advised.

Dr Belmar George added that from November 3, 2026, all persons boarding international flights to the United States would be required to attest that they had not been in the DRC during the 21 days before their flight. She said the measure was issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 22.

The CMO noted that there were no reported cases in Saint Lucia or the wider Caribbean but warned that international travel and trade could create opportunities for infectious diseases to cross borders.

The Ministry said it would continue monitoring the international and regional situation and provide updates and further guidance as necessary.