Ministry of Health Issues Ebola Alert After WHO Declares Global Emergency

PHNOM PENH, May 18, 2026 (KPT) — The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has issued a public advisory on Ebola virus disease after the World Health Organization declared outbreaks in Central Africa an international public health emergency.

In a statement on May 18, the ministry said the WHO had reported Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting the emergency declaration on May 17.

Authorities confirmed no Ebola cases had been detected in Cambodia but said surveillance and emergency response measures were being strengthened.

Guidance has been distributed to rapid response teams, healthcare workers, hotline operators and the public through social media and other channels.

The ministry described Ebola as a severe infectious disease with fatality rates of up to 80–90 percent without timely treatment.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated objects, and in rare cases through contact with infected wild animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees and monkeys.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, typically appearing between two and 21 days after exposure.

The ministry urged the public to wash hands regularly, avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, and follow protective measures when travelling to outbreak areas.

People returning from affected countries were advised to monitor their health for 21 days and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.

Healthcare workers were reminded to strictly follow infection prevention and control procedures when treating suspected or confirmed cases.