In the bustling streets of Valletta, life goes on as usual. The sun beats down on the historic city, tourists snap photos, and locals go about their daily routines. Yet, in the quiet corners of the Health Ministry, officials are on high alert. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international emergency due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Malta is not taking any chances.

The Outbreak: A Growing Concern

The Ebola virus has claimed over 80 lives in the DRC since April, with nearly 1,000 cases reported. This is the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, and it’s happening in a war-torn region, making containment efforts challenging. The virus, which causes severe fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding, has a fatality rate of around 50%.

On Friday, the WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), a rare designation reserved for events that pose a public health risk to other countries. This decision was not made lightly. The WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that the risk of spread within the DRC remains high, and the risk of international spread is now considered low to moderate.

Malta’s Response: Vigilance and Preparedness

Malta, with its strategic location and high volume of international travel, is taking the threat seriously. The Health Ministry has issued guidelines to all healthcare facilities, reminding them to be vigilant for any suspected cases. The Malta International Airport has also stepped up its screening procedures, with thermal scanners now in use.

“We are not panicking, but we are certainly not taking this lightly,” says Dr. Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent of Public Health. “Our healthcare system is well-equipped to handle such situations. We have protocols in place, and our medical professionals are trained to deal with infectious diseases.”

Malta’s experience with infectious diseases runs deep. During the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, Malta played a significant role in the global response. The island nation sent medical supplies and provided training to healthcare workers in affected countries. This time around, Malta is ready to lend a helping hand again, should the need arise.

What Can You Do?

While the risk of Ebola in Malta remains low, it’s always a good idea to be informed and prepared. Here are a few tips:

• Stay informed about the outbreak and the latest travel advice from the WHO and the Maltese Health Ministry.
• If you’re traveling to the DRC or any other affected areas, take necessary precautions and register with the Maltese embassy.
• If you develop symptoms of Ebola after traveling to an affected area, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about your travel history.

In the meantime, life in Malta continues. The sun sets over the Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities light up. We go about our days, aware but not afraid, ready to face whatever comes our way.

“We are a resilient people,” says Dr. Gauci. “We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve always come out stronger. This time will be no different.”