Words of caution from the WHO Director-General this week on the NE’s Ebola virus disease outbreak. In a keynote address to the 72nd World Health Assembly, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus admitted they were ‘fighting one of the world’s most dangerous viruses in one of the world’s most dangerous areas’, with a very high risk of spread beyond the two provinces. Recent case details can be found in the Ministry of Health newsletter of May 21, WHO dashboard and External Situation Report (May 21).
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.