Ebola epidemic continues in West Africa; new cases in Mali

The Ebola situation in the three affected West African countries remains mixed. There are fewer patients coming to some treatment centres in Liberia, but in other areas there are mini outbreaks with increases in the number of cases. In Sierra Leone, the epidemic continues to grow rapidly in spite of control measures. Unfortunately, in Mali, after the apparent control of spread of the virus from a 2 year old child who died, there are reports of a new mini outbreak involving a few cases.

The risk of exposure for the general traveller remains low. Leading international organizations and associations from the transport, trade, and tourism sector and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to advise against general bans on travel and trade, as well as restrictions that include general quarantine of travellers from Ebola-affected countries. However, due to the stresses on local health care systems, travellers with pre-existing medical conditions or who might have major accidents may encounter some difficulties obtaining emergency medical care. In addition, some countries are requiring mandatory or self-imposed quarantine for anyone coming from the affected countries.