Health Alert
Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
Updated May 30, 2014Travel Health Notice
The Ministry of Health of Guinea continues to report on the evolving outbreak of Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever). Confirmed cases have been reported in several districts in Guinea.
Confirmed cases in the neighbouring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone have also been reported and additional cases can be expected.
For the latest updates on Ebola virus disease, including the total number of cases and deaths, please visit the World Health Organization’s Global Alert and Response website
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The Ministries of Health of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to implement measures to control the outbreak and prevent further spread. The WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone in relation to this outbreak.
Ebola virus disease is a rare and severe viral disease. The virus can infect both humans and non-human primates (monkeys, gorillas, etc.). When infected, people can get very sick, with fever, intense weakness, headache, sore throat and pains, and may bleed from different parts of the body (i.e., haemorrhage).
The risk of infection is low for most travellers, although the risk may increase for those who are working in a health care setting since most human infections result from direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected patients. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends travellers avoid all direct contact with a person or corpse infected with the Ebola virus. Also, avoid contact with or handling an animal suspected of having Ebola. Travellers should immediately seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.