Health Ministry Spokesman Aji Muhawarman said on Monday that the WHO declaration issued on May 17, 2026, underscored the need for global vigilance, though the outbreak has not been classified as a pandemic.
“The declaration reflects cross-border transmission, high mortality rates, and continuing uncertainty over the outbreak’s scale and development,” Muhawarman said.
The outbreak in Ituri Province, DR Congo, has recorded 246 suspected cases as of May 16, including eight confirmed infections and 80 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 32.5 percent.
Authorities identified the Bundibugyo virus strain, one of several Ebola variants known to cause severe outbreaks.
Muhawarman said imported cases linked to Congo had also been reported in Kampala, Uganda, and Kinshasa, while insecurity, population mobility, and weak health infrastructure heightened regional transmission risks.
He said Ebola is a highly fatal viral disease, with mortality rates that can reach 50 percent.
The three major strains linked to recurring outbreaks are Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Sudan Virus Disease (SVD), and Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD), which is behind the current outbreak.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, animals, or contaminated surfaces entering through broken skin or mucous membranes, he added.
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Symptoms typically begin suddenly with fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and headaches before progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. The virus incubation period ranges from two to 21 days.
Muhawarman said no widely available specific treatment currently exists, with patient care focused mainly on intensive supportive treatment.
Existing vaccines remain limited and are primarily deployed to contain outbreaks in Africa, he added.
Indonesia has increased surveillance at entry points and strengthened coordination with hospitals and public health agencies to improve early detection and response capabilities.
“We are closely monitoring travelers, particularly from outbreak-affected countries. Suspected cases will be referred to designated hospitals and reported through the national emergency response system,” Muhawarman said.
The ministry is also expanding public education and risk communication efforts to curb misinformation and prevent panic. Information is available through the Health Ministry’s official Ebola information portal.
The WHO has advised countries outside outbreak zones against imposing border closures or international travel and trade restrictions.
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Muhawarman urged the public to avoid contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated objects, while travelers returning from affected countries should seek medical attention if symptoms appear within 21 days.
Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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