Ebola : Epidemic precautions

Current Ebola virus outbreak in the West African nations of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia make world very cautious about this epidemic. Suspected cases have already popped up in Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, United States, Morocco,South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. It began spreading by air travel between West Africa and those countries.

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The cases have tested negative for Ebola so far with the exception of a Liberian national who died in Lagos, Nigeria after travelling there from his home country. According to International SOS Regional Medical Director for Corporate Solutions (Asia), Dr Greg Jakubowski , is that the international travel is an unavoidable part of our globalised world. He says ‘ This is the worst outbreak (to date) and the incubation period is anywhere from two to 21 days”.

However the emergency medicine specialist by training notes that our connectivity with West Africa is not direct with at least one or two transit points in between. “It does take a bit of time. So one would think that the symptoms would demonstrate themselves” he says.

The Malaysia Government has already initiated screening and preventive measures at entry points to the country like airports and ports. Malaysia Helath Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam has said that the Institute of Medical Research can test for the Ebola virus while all government hospitals have the facilities to quarantine and treat potential Ebola patients.

| What is Ebola Virus |

So far, no country or organisation has called for travel restrictions to Sierra Leone, Guinea or Liberia. However, several countries and international organisations have advised their citizens and the public to defer non-essential travel to those three countries. Dubai-based carrier, Emirates has suspended flights to Conakry, Guinea while British Airways has done the same for its flights to Monrovia, Liberia, via Freetown, Sierra Leone due to safety concerns.


Emirates also does not fly to Sierra Leone or Liberia and British Airways does not serve Guinea.

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Emirates cancelled their flight to Sierra Leone, Liberia

In fact, the Government evacuated 24 Malaysians working at a Malaysian-owned plantation in Liberia due to concerns over their safety. International SOS also increases in callcs for advice to its 24-hour assistance centres from May to June. Those who are already on the ground should educate themselves on how to protect themselves, keep themselves updated on the latest situation and avoid domestic travel as much as possible.
FIt For Life The Star, 10th August 2014