RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesia's Ministry of Health confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected in Indonesia to date. However, the government immediately took proactive steps in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).

The Head of the Ministry of Health's Communication and Public Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, stated that the WHO's declaration of emergency status demonstrates the need for global vigilance, even though the spread of the virus has not yet been categorized as a pandemic. This step was taken due to cross-regional spread, the high mortality rate, and the continuing uncertainty regarding the extent of the outbreak in Central Africa.

According to official data, the outbreak in Ituri Province, DR Congo, was caused by the Bundibugyo type of Ebola virus. As of May 16, 2026, there were 246 suspected cases, including 8 confirmed cases and 80 deaths, for a mortality rate of 32.5 percent. In addition to the Democratic Republic of Congo, travel-related cases have also been reported in Kampala, Uganda, and Kinshasa due to high population mobility and limited health facilities in those regions.

National laboratory capacity has been fully alerted to support rapid detection and early response. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by inaccurate information or hoaxes regarding Ebola circulating on social media. Education about this disease is considered crucial to ensure the public has a correct understanding.

Ebola virus transmission occurs through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or objects contaminated by infected humans or animals. The virus can enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes.

Symptoms of the disease usually appear suddenly with an incubation period of 2 to 21 days. They include fever, weakness, muscle aches, headaches, which can then progress to vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. Currently, there is no specific treatment for widespread use, while available vaccines are limited for handling outbreaks in Africa.

The Indonesia's Ministry of Health ensures that official information and guidelines for handling Ebola are openly accessible to the public. The latest information can be found on the page https://s.kemkes.go.id/INFOEBOLA