WHO Says Skip Travel Bans as Ebola Spreads. Some Governments Haven’t

The African Travel and Tourism Association has urged vigilance and accurate information as a Bundibugyo virus outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May, continues to spread. Kenya has reported cases linked to travel through Uganda, and Nigeria confirmed its first case this month. The US CDC’s tally, which covers the DRC, Kenya, Uganda and France, stood at 9,582 confirmed cases and 4,605 deaths as of October 20, with figures still changing.

The continental response is already formal. Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on May 18 and will hold a virtual meeting of African health ministers on October 28 to address cross-border coordination. Kenya has introduced contact tracing, isolation and enhanced screening, and Nigeria has begun tracing contacts. ATTA chief executive Virginia Messina expressed confidence in African health authorities and noted that Ebola is not an airborne disease.

The gap between global guidance and national rules is what travelers should watch. The World Health Organization advises against general travel and trade restrictions on affected countries, but individual governments can still impose entry, screening or other measures. The US CDC requires restrictions for travelers who have recently been in the DRC and additional screening for some arrivals from Uganda and South Sudan.

For anyone planning a trip to East or Central Africa, the practical advice is to separate WHO recommendations from the entry requirements of the countries you will pass through or return to. Check your own government’s advisory, confirm airline and insurer policies, and revisit them before departure because conditions are changing quickly. Travel businesses face the same task of keeping clients informed without overstating or understating the risk.

Sources: Travel Daily News