Dominican Republic activates preventive measures amid Ebola outbreak in Central Africa

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic has strengthened epidemiological surveillance and preventive protocols following international alerts over an Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Central Africa.

Health authorities said the measures are part of international preparedness protocols activated after the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine. The World Health Organization continues to monitor the outbreak and has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Although officials stressed that the Dominican Republic faces a low risk of exposure due to its geographic location and lack of direct connections to affected areas, the country is reinforcing preparedness and response mechanisms for high-risk infectious diseases.

Authorities are coordinating with health, migration, tourism, airport, port, and emergency response agencies to strengthen monitoring at airports, seaports, and border crossings. Preventive actions include updated detection protocols, traveler monitoring, expanded isolation areas, training for medical personnel, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

The Ministry also reported efforts to improve laboratory diagnostic capabilities for the safe handling and shipment of biological samples under international standards.

The outbreak has mainly affected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with associated cases also confirmed in Uganda. International health agencies currently consider the risk of global spread to remain low, though surveillance continues due to the evolving situation.

Officials noted that because vaccines developed for other Ebola variants are ineffective against the Bundibugyo strain, current containment strategies remain focused on early detection, contact tracing, isolation, and infection prevention measures.