Ministry of Health confirms that no Ebola cases have been detected in Indonesia to date

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has confirmed that to date there have been no detected Ebola cases in Indonesia, but it is maintaining heightened vigilance in response to the WHO’s designation of the outbreak in DR Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Head of the Bureau of Communications and Public Information at the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, in Jakarta on Tuesday said the PHEIC status indicates global vigilance is needed, even though the virus’s spread has not yet been classified as a pandemic. The move was taken due to cross-border spread, high mortality, and ongoing uncertainty about the extent of the outbreak in Central Africa.

“The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the global situation and strengthen cross-sector vigilance. We are ensuring enhanced surveillance at all entry points into the country, including ports and airports, particularly for travellers from affected countries,” Aji said.

Based on official data, he said, the outbreak in Ituri Province, DR Congo, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. As of 16 May 2026, there were 246 suspected cases including 8 confirmed cases and 80 deaths, with a mortality rate of 32.5 percent.

Aji explained that concrete steps include mobilising health workers in the field, strengthening traveller screening, and preparing referral procedures to international-standard hospitals if a passenger shows symptoms indicative of Ebola.

All reports from the entry points will be integrated around the clock via the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) and the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC).

“National laboratory capacity has also been fully stood up to support rapid detection and early response,” he added.

On the other hand, the Ministry asked the public to remain calm and not to be easily influenced by misinformation about Ebola circulating on social media. Education about the disease is considered important so that the public has a correct understanding.

“Ebola is a viral infectious disease that can cause death with an average fatality rate of about 50 percent. Currently there are three strains of the virus that frequently cause outbreaks: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Sudan Virus Disease (SVD), and Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD), which is currently spreading in Congo,” Aji clarified.

Symptoms usually appear abruptly with incubation of 2 to 21 days, including fever, malaise, muscle pains, headache, which can progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding. To date there is no widely used specific treatment, while vaccines are still limited for outbreak response in Africa.

As a self-protection measure, the Ministry calls on the public to reinforce Clean and Healthy Living Behaviours (PHBS).

Specific advisories were also issued to citizens who have recently returned from affected countries such as DR Congo and Uganda. They are asked to seek medical care at the nearest health facility if they experience fever or bleeding within 21 days of their return. Honesty about travel history is considered crucial to help break the chain of transmission.