Ebola outbreak continues in West Africa

The number of cases of Ebola in Guinea, Liberia ans Sierra Leone has reached 964, including 603 deaths. Between July 8 and 12, there were 79 new cases and 65 deaths reported from Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Although the World Health Organization does not recommend any travel restrictions to the affected countries, Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), has closed its border to refugees in order to avoid the possible spread of Ebola into their country.

Tourists, visitors or residents in affected areas are at very low risk of acquiring Ebola, unless they are in close personal contact with a person who is infected with this virus. Simple precautions include avoiding burial rituals (such as washing the body), close physical contact with infected persons and their body fluids, or contact with blood and body fluids of infected persons in home or hospital settings.