Speaking Remarks for the Chief Public Health Officer
From:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Speech
Ebola Disease and Hantavirus Technical Briefing
May 22, 2026
1:00pm EST
Thank you for joining us today.
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. I would like to take this moment to reflect on the history of Indigenous people and to honour the original stewards of the lands where we live and work.
Situation Update – Ebola Disease
I will begin today with an update on the Ebola situation in Africa and what it means for Canada. And then, I will provide an update on Andes hantavirus.
On May 15, Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared an outbreak of Ebola disease in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cases linked to this outbreak have also been reported in Uganda, including an imported case that was confirmed to be the Bundibugyo virus strain.
On May 17, the Director General of the World Health Organization declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the evidence of cross-border spread, uncertainty around the true size of the outbreak, the potential for wider regional and global impacts, and the need for global collaboration.
It is important to be clear: while this is a serious and evolving situation, cases remain localized, and the global risk is low.
This outbreak is occurring in an area with complex challenges, including proximity to urban centres, security concerns and high levels of population movement associated with mining activity. These factors can increase the potential for spread locally and across borders.
We recognize the risk for people in the region is high, and our thoughts are with the individuals, families, communities and health workers who are directly bearing the brunt of this challenging outbreak.
Canada stands ready to assist.
Risk to Canadians
Based on the Public Health Agency of Canada's rapid risk assessment and in alignment with the World Health Organization, the risk to people in Canada is considered to be low at this time.
There has never been a case of Ebola disease imported into Canada despite numerous Ebola outbreaks in the affected region.
I do want to be transparent that, out of an abundance of caution, one individual in Ontario underwent precautionary testing. This individual recently returned from Ethiopia and reported symptoms consistent with a range of illnesses.
Both initial testing conducted in Ontario and confirmatory testing at the National Microbiology Laboratory were both negative.
This is a good example of how quickly measures are activated, even when the likelihood of Ebola is very low.
Ebola disease is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected individual who is showing symptoms, or through contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. It is not spread through casual contact, and it does not spread through the air like respiratory viruses.
Those at highest risk are individuals providing care to patients with Ebola disease, participating in burial practices involving direct contact, or working in healthcare or laboratory settings where the virus is present.
Public Health Response
While the risk in Canada remains low, we are taking this situation very seriously and are taking a precautionary approach.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the outbreak in close collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organization, as well as provincial and territorial public health authorities.
At our borders, we have strengthened screening measures. As of May 20, enhanced screening questions have been implemented at airport kiosks for travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda within the past 21 days.
Travellers are now asked whether they have been in these countries and whether they are experiencing symptoms or may have been in contact with someone with Ebola disease.
We have also deployed additional quarantine and screening officers at key airports, and we are maintaining a 24/7 centralized monitoring approach. Signage has been deployed at major airports across the country to ensure travellers know what to do if they feel unwell.
These measures are supported under the Quarantine Act and are designed to identify potential risks early and ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
On Wednesday, a flight was redirected to Montréal due to a passenger of concern. PHAC quarantine officers assessed the individual, determined they were asymptomatic, and appropriate border procedures were followed.
For travellers, I want to emphasize the importance of checking the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories before departure.
Individuals returning from affected regions should monitor their health for 21 days. If symptoms develop, it is critical that they isolate immediately, away from others and contact local public health authorities before seeking in-person care.
Laboratory and Preparedness Capacity
Canada has strong laboratory and surveillance systems in place.
Any suspected case in Canada would be immediately reported, with samples sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing. Results are typically available within 24 hours once samples arrive at the lab.
Our National Microbiology Laboratory continues to play a leading role globally in Ebola research, including work on vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Canadian scientists were instrumental in the development of the world's first Ebola vaccine, and they continue to contribute to preparedness and response efforts internationally.
International Collaboration
This outbreak underscores the importance of global collaboration.
Canada continues to work closely with international partners through established mechanisms such as the World Health Organization and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.
We stand ready to provide technical expertise and support if requested, as we have done in previous outbreaks. Our shared goal is to contain this outbreak at its source and reduce the risk of further spread.
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