ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2026 (Web Desk): Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has issued a high alert and directed the National Institute of Health to take precautionary measures after Ebola cases were reported in African countries.

The Ebola virus alert comes as health authorities move to strengthen surveillance, laboratory preparedness and passenger screening at entry points, particularly for travellers arriving from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the health ministry, the NIH has been instructed to ensure the availability of laboratory testing kits for early detection. Border health authorities have also been placed on high alert at airports.

Officials said early symptoms of Ebola can resemble dengue fever, and medical staff have been advised to remain vigilant while assessing suspected cases.

The ministry said the situation in Pakistan remains under control and there is no immediate cause for public concern.

Meanwhile, African countries have reported around 300 suspected Ebola cases and 80 deaths. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deployed response teams to support containment efforts.

According to the World Health Organization, 51 confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of cases may rise because the virus could have been circulating undetected before the outbreak was identified.