AUTHORITIES are ringing the Ebola alarm bells and has placed a travel ban on visitors from high risk West African countries to protect the SA against the spread of the deadly virus.
The ban is applicable to all foreigners travelling from high risk countries such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone where the virus has already claimed more than 1 400 lives.
Zululanders arriving from these countries will now also be required to complete a comprehensive health questionnaire before being allowed entry back into South Africa.
If the medical assessment and temperature screening shows any warning signs, a complete medical examination will be required.
Also on high alert is the Department of Health, who reiterated the importance for local business travellers to avoid non-essential visits to West Africa.
‘If you must travel to these countries, make sure to practice careful hygiene,’ said the department.
‘Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of sick persons or someone who has died from Ebola.
‘Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, headache, aches, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes and limit your contact with other people when you travel to the doctor. South African embassies or consulates are able to provide advice on facilities that are suitable for your needs and do not travel anywhere else.’
Even when no symptoms are visible, the department urged travellers to inform a port or airport health official of their occupation and travel history on arrival in South Africa, and monitor their health for 21 days after spending time in an area where an Ebola outbreak occurred.
Less risky
Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia have been classified ‘medium risk countries’ while all other countries, including SA, are considered ‘low risk’ for the time being.
‘Please note that some of these countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have no Ebola yet, but are mentioned here because most people travelling from West Africa to South Africa travel via these countries,’ said the Cabinet in a statement.
‘Cabinet recognised that even though the outbreak has been limited to countries in West Africa, the spread to other countries needs to be contained.’
