As international concern surrounding the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to grow, several countries — including Cabo Verde — have strengthened surveillance and contingency measures at points of entry. These actions underscore the critical importance of preparedness and coordinated public health responses in addressing emerging infectious threats.
Instituto de Higiene e Medicina tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (IHMT NOVA) has also been widely sought by national and international media outlets as a trusted scientific reference. GHTM | IHMT NOVA has played an important role in clarifying public concerns, contextualizing epidemiological risks, and explaining the evolution of the outbreak. Its experts have contributed through interviews, technical analyses, and public commentary, helping ensure that complex scientific information is communicated in a rigorous and accessible manner.
“Ebola outbreak in the DRC is a public health emergency, but the risk for Portugal and Angola remains very low”Filomeno Fortes, Director of IHMT NOVA
Among these experts is Filomeno Fortes, Director of IHMT NOVA, member of the CTM-GHTM Research Group, and a specialist in Public Health, who has been closely monitoring the situation. His perspective is particularly relevant given his frontline role in coordinating the response to the 2005 Marburg outbreak in Angola, the largest ever recorded worldwide. As the Marburg virus belongs to the same viral family as Ebola and shares important clinical and epidemiological characteristics, his experience provides valuable insight into the current outbreak.
The situation in the DRC has also accelerated global efforts to develop vaccines and treatments targeting the circulating Ebola strain. According to specialists at GHTM | IHMT NOVA, while the outbreak requires close monitoring and strong international cooperation, the epidemiological risk for countries such as Portugal and Angola remains very low.
Through its scientific expertise, research activities, and active engagement with society, IHMT NOVA continues to contribute to evidence-based communication and global health preparedness in response to emerging infectious diseases.
Informative Dossier on the Ebola Virus
Developed in the context of the current outbreak in the DRC, the dossier was scientifically reviewed by Jaime Nina, Professor Emeritus and infectious disease specialist at IHMT NOVA, and member of the CTM-GHTM Research Group.
The publication provides clear, up-to-date, and accessible information on Ebola virus disease, covering:
- Modes of transmission
- Clinical presentation and symptoms
- Prevention and control measures
- The current international public health response
This initiative aims to support journalists, healthcare professionals, students, and the general public, promoting access to reliable and scientifically validated information, as well as a better understanding of the global health implications associated with Ebola virus disease.
GHTM | IHMT NOVA Reinforces Its Role as a Scientific Reference in the Media
GHTM | IHMT NOVA experts have contributed to a wide range of media outlets, reinforcing the Institute’s role as a leading scientific voice:
- Epidemia na RDCongo é emergência, mas risco para Portugal é muito baixo, diz especialista, CNN Portugal
- Ébola: Especialista afasta risco significativo para Angola, RFI
- Surto de Ébola na República Democrática do Congo é emergência, mas risco para Angola e Portugal é muito baixo, Correio da Manhã
- Aumenta a corrida mundial para desenvolver vacinas e tratamentos contra a atual estirpe de Ébola na República Democrática do Congo, RTP África
- Diretor do IHMT tranquiliza Portugal e Angola sobre risco de Ébola, Notícias ao Minuto
- Surto de Ébola: «não há transmissão no período de incubação», NOW
- Transmissões de Ébola disparam em funerais: especialista explica que vírus funciona como “fita-cola”, Sábado
Through these contributions, GHTM | IHMT NOVA continues to strengthen public understanding of emerging infectious diseases and support informed, evidence-based dialogue in the media.
