The
Public Health Authority (Weqaya) continues to closely monitor developments related to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as well as global developments concerning Hantavirus, in coordination with international health organizations. The Authority affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s epidemiological surveillance system remains fully prepared to respond to any potential public health risks, safeguarding the health of citizens, residents, and pilgrims.
The
World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, in accordance with the International Health Regulations.
Weqaya noted that precautionary measures related to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have remained in place since July 2019, when entry visas for travelers from affected areas were suspended during the previous outbreak. Ongoing risk assessments have supported maintaining these measures, while additional precautions have been applied to travelers arriving from neighboring countries affected by the outbreak, including Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), which remains separate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has reported no confirmed cases to date.
To strengthen preparedness, Saudi Arabia has enhanced health response measures at all ports of entry by activating health response teams, increasing health awareness and guidance for travelers arriving from affected regions, ensuring healthcare facilities are fully prepared to manage suspected cases according to approved protocols, and implementing daily epidemiological monitoring at pilgrim accommodations for arrivals from neighboring outbreak-affected countries.
Weqaya also continues to monitor global Hantavirus developments in coordination with national and international health authorities. The Authority stated that Hantavirus currently poses a low risk to Saudi Arabia and the Hajj season. Surveillance and monitoring efforts remain in place to detect and respond promptly to any developments. The Authority emphasized that the Kingdom’s epidemiological investigation system operates efficiently and that coordination continues with relevant national and international partners to safeguard public health, particularly during Hajj.
The Authority reassured citizens, residents, and pilgrims that no confirmed or suspected cases have been detected in Saudi Arabia and that the overall health situation remains stable and under close observation.
Weqaya affirmed that it will continue monitoring regional and global public health developments around the clock in full coordination with relevant authorities and will implement all necessary health measures as required to protect public health and ensure the safety of all.