Somalia has placed 10 Somali nationals under quarantine in Mogadishu after identifying them as travellers who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through Uganda, prompting increased public-health monitoring amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.

According to a report published by Mustaqbal Media on October 13, the Ministry of Health and Human Services said the travellers were being monitored at the National Ebola Treatment and Isolation Centre in Mogadishu.

Authorities are carrying out medical assessments, laboratory testing and contact tracing to determine whether any of the individuals may have been exposed to the virus. The response involves health officials working alongside security and immigration agencies.

The precautionary measures follow regional alerts concerning Ebola cases and cross-border travel. The World Health Organization has confirmed an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, an Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, in the DRC. A confirmed imported case was also reported in Kenya earlier this month.

Quarantine does not mean that the travellers have tested positive for Ebola. Officials are monitoring the group as a preventive measure while investigations and medical assessments continue.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified claims and follow official health guidance. People who believe they may have had relevant contact with the travellers are encouraged to contact health authorities for advice.

The situation highlights the importance of cross-border surveillance and rapid information-sharing as countries work to identify possible exposures and limit the risk of disease transmission.

Further updates are expected as Somali health officials complete their assessments and provide verified information about the travellers’ status.