The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee is to meet again tomorrow following news that Ebola virus disease (EVD) infections have now been confirmed in western Uganda. A 5yo boy was taken by his extended family of 14 from an EVD hotspot (Mabalako) into Uganda on June 10 to seek treatment. He has since succumbed to the infection and 2 more of the group have confirmed EVD. Neighbouring countries of the DRC have been on the alert for Ebola-infected people crossing their borders, taking the precaution of vaccinating many healthcare workers – fortunately this includes frontline staff at the facility where the family members are undergoing treatment or monitoring. The Emergency Committee will ‘assess if changes warrant declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under International Health Regulations, and to update any earlier recommendations’. An update of the situation in the DRC is available in the latest Ministry of Health newsletter. 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.