Ebola in Liberia: Government imposes strict screening for passengers at airport

The Liberian government announced the imposition of stringent screening measures, at the country's only international airport, for passengers after the first Ebola case in the US. Liberia has been in

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 2, 2014 4:09 pm

The Liberian government announced the imposition of stringent screening measures, at the country’s only international airport, for passengers after the first Ebola case in the US. Liberia has been in the spotlight since there were two instances of infected Liberians exporting the virus to other countries, Xinhua reported. The first case was Patrick Sawyer, who was diagnosed with Ebola. He boarded a flight to Nigeria and collapsed in Lagos, affecting health workers who came in contact with him.

The latest incident is of a Liberian who travelled from Liberia to Texas in the US and was then diagnosed with Ebola. ‘It was unfortunate that an individual travelling from Liberia was diagnosed with Ebola after arrival in the US,’ reported Xinhua citing a statement of Liberia’s minister of information Lewis Brown issued Wednesday. ‘Currently there are stringent screening measures in place at the Roberts International Airport which we believe is preventing the disease from spreading via air travel. We monitor these screening programs regularly,’ he added.

‘As we are also discovering, it was only days after his arrival in the US that the disease was manifested. As such, consistent with the findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are led to believe that he posed no risks to other passengers or the crew with whom he travelled,’ the minister said. Brown said that the confirmed US Ebola situation demonstrates the clear international dimension of the Ebola crisis and for which the resources of the world are being mobilized to avert.

Here are some preventive measures for people who cannot avoid traveling.

If you’re taking medication for any infectious diseases and if you’re currently suffering from viral flu, you should avoid traveling before complete recovery. When you’re suffering from an infection, your immunity weakens. This could be a good opportunity for the virus to attack you.
Avoid visiting areas that are too crowded and dense in population.
Following personal hygiene is must. Wash hands under running water for about one minute.

Following precautionary measures for travelers.

In any case, avoid handling items that you suspect have been contaminated, especially blood or body fluids.
Be careful about your health for at least 21 days after suspected exposure to the virus. If you develop any symptoms within this period, visit a specialist. Avoid traveling and direct contact with others before your visit to the doctor and confirm the cause of your symptoms. Read more about Ebola Virus Travel Tips — Precautions you should take

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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Published: October 2, 2014 4:09 pm

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