Latest Ebola News: Exit screening at airports key to prevent Ebola spread

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 21, 2014 6:46 pm

A new study has revealed that if no exit screening were to take place, three Ebola-infected travellers would leave on international flights from affected countries like Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone every month. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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Dr Kamran Khan at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, and colleagues, who analysed 2014 worldwide flight schedules and historic flight itineraries of passengers from 2013 to predict expected population movements out of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, found that based on current epidemic conditions and international flight restrictions to and from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, on average, just under three travellers infected with Ebola virus are projected to travel on an international flight every month. Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

Although airport screening is currently in place in the locations modelled, the research draws attention to the importance of ensuring that exit screening is implemented and maintained effectively in these locations. Dr Khan said that the risk of international spread could increase significantly if the outbreak in West Africa persists and grows and risks to the global community would further increase if Ebola virus were to spread to and within other countries with weak public health systems. (Read: Ebola Facts: Top 7 myths busted)

The findings also indicate that it is far more efficient and less disruptive to screen travellers for Ebola as they leave affected countries in West Africa rather than screen the same travellers as they arrive at other airports around the world. The authors also point out that with effective exit screening of travellers in place, the additional utility of entry screening is very low given the short flight durations out of affected countries, compared with the much longer incubation period of Ebola virus. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)

The researchers added that the best approach to minimise risks to the global community is to control the epidemic at its source. While screening travellers arriving at airports outside of West Africa may offer a sense of security, this would have at best marginal benefits, and could draw valuable resources away from more effective public health interventions. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)

They also said that excessive constraints on air travel could have severe economic consequences that could destabilise the region and possibly disrupt critical supplies of essential health and humanitarian services. Decision-makers must carefully balance the potential harms that could result from travel restrictions against any reductions in the risk of international spread. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?)

The study was published in The Lancet.

What is the Ebola incubation period?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a serious clinical condition caused by a virus. Also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, the virus spreads through close contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Ebola is considered to be a clinical emergency all over the world and hence it is important to be aware of its symptoms and incubation period to prevent health issues.

The incubation period of the Ebola virus is 2 21 days which means that a person infected with the virus takes around 2 to 21 days to show symptoms of this disease. Although in most cases the symptoms appeared after 8-10 days after being infected with the virus. It is in this period of incubation that the virus attacks the immune system. Read more about What is the Ebola incubation period?

With inputs from ANI

Photo source: Getty images

Published : October 21, 2014 6:46 pm

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