Ebola cases climb to 7

The WHO African regional office announced this week that seven Ebola virus disease cases have now emerged in Beni since early last month – ‘four of whom have died, two in the community and two in treatment centres’. Contact tracing and vaccination campaigns continue as in the latest sitrep the WHO noted that all recent cases were linked with a common source, perhaps ‘by direct contact with body fluids of a survivor (asymptomatic or relapse case)’. Read more

Advice for travellers

Ebola Virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever found in humans and other primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It spreads through families and friends in close contact with blood and infectious secretions of people with obvious symptoms and, as such, presents a low risk to tourists to the affected countries. Read more about Ebola virus disease.

Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.