Sierra Leone: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Measles — clusters and targeted vaccination in Kono, Koinadugu and other districts
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health reported and the WHO Africa Office described an active measles response during late August–September 2026 after cases were detected in multiple districts (notably Kono and Koinadugu); district teams ran targeted vaccination and surveillance activities from 25–31 August 2026 to contain ongoing transmission in Kono and to respond to confirmed cases in Koinadugu. WHO Africa — Sierra Leone integrated outbreak detection & immunization (1 Sep 2026). Local reporting during August 2026 described pressure on Kono health services while teams conducted case management and ring vaccination. Sierraloaded report (20 Aug 2026). Why this matters to travellers: measles is highly contagious; outbreaks in communities increase the chance of exposure for unvaccinated visitors. The WHO reporting documents the government’s reactive vaccination activities. Travelers should ensure routine measles immunity (per national and WHO immunization guidance) before travel and follow local health advice where campaigns are in progress. WHO multimedia — measles campaign background.
Cutaneous ulcer outbreak (Haemophilus ducreyi) — Bombali and neighboring Tonkolili districts
An outbreak of non‑sexual cutaneous ulcers affecting mainly schoolchildren in Safroko Limba (Bombali District) and nearby chiefdoms was investigated beginning October 2025; subsequent public‑health investigations and genomic testing identified Haemophilus ducreyi as the principal pathogen and documented hundreds of cases with most patients recovering under the response. The WHO Africa office published an account of the multisectoral response in September 2026, and the investigation and sequencing results were reported in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CDC) in October 2026. WHO Africa — cutaneous ulcer outbreak (11 Sep 2026); CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases — Haemophilus ducreyi outbreak report (Oct 2026). Where/when and current situation: the published investigations cover cases first reported from late October 2025 through early 2026 and describe coordinated response and follow‑up through mid‑2026; WHO reporting in September 2026 describes partner-supported control activities that reduced illness burden. Human cases only; no animal reservoir has been implicated beyond environmental/household risk factors examined in the field investigations. Why this matters to travellers: the illness produced localized skin ulcers in affected communities and was not described as a respiratory or widely transmissible disease for casual contacts. Travelers visiting affected rural communities should avoid contact with open skin lesions, practice routine wound care hygiene, and seek local medical care if they develop unexplained skin ulcers. The CDC/WHO investigations and WHO country reporting describe diagnosis, case management and outbreak control measures. CDC EID article (Oct 2026).
Nationwide travel-health measure: mandatory Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal (POEP) declaration
The National Public Health Agency and Ministry of Health require all travellers arriving to or departing from Sierra Leone to complete a Health Declaration and Travel Information Form through the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal (POEP) within 72 hours before travel; the measure was announced effective 18 June 2026 and remains posted by the NPHA as the official travel advisory. The portal is intended to support surveillance, early detection and control of communicable diseases at points of entry. NPHA — Travel Advisory: Mandatory Use of the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal (18 Jun 2026). What travellers should know: the advisory requires pre‑travel completion of the online health declaration and retention of the confirmation QR/reference for presentation on request; designated point‑of‑entry personnel may conduct additional screening and non‑compliance can delay entry or departure. Travelers should check the portal and follow instructions from airlines and immigration/health officials before travel. Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal (NPHA).
Note: these items summarize reports and official measures identified in sources published or substantively updated within the 90‑day window before 27 October 2026. Conditions and local public‑health measures can change quickly; consult the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health / National Public Health Agency and your travel clinic or national travel advisory for the latest, location‑specific advice before travel.