The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Ebola virus disease in Liberia

Updated May 16, 2016

Updated: April 04, 2016

Travel Health Notice

On September 3, Liberia was declared free of Ebola transmission, however, a flare-up in late November of three new cases from the same family were confirmed. This flare-up is understood to have resulted from the re-emergence of Ebola virus that had persisted in a previously infected individual. The probability of such a re-emergence is low. Liberia continues to monitor for new cases and measures are in place to prevent transmission in the country.

It is believed that there is a very low risk for Ebola in Liberia, and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers to Liberia practise usual precautions.

Please consult the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories for LiberiaExternal link for more information, including safety, security and border measure considerations.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your departure. Protect yourself by following the recommendations below.

Be prepared and protect yourself while travelling in Liberia.

  • For general health information on how to prepare yourself before your trip, such as vaccines to consider and how to protect yourself against malaria, consult the recommendations for LiberiaExternal link.
  • Make sure you are up-to-date with all of your routine vaccinations, especially measles vaccinations. Liberia is currently experiencing an increase in measles activity.
  • Check your travel health insurance plan and ensure you are fully covered. Consider contacting your travel health insurance provider to inquire about options for emergency medical evacuation if you become ill.
  • Practise strict hand washing routinesExternal link.

Travelling home to Canada

Before departure:
It is important to know that the airports in Ebola affected countries may continue to be screening travellers for signs of Ebola or a fever and/or the possibility that they may have been exposed to Ebola virus. Those who have been exposed or are showing symptoms of Ebola will not be allowed to travel on commercial flights as well as on any commercial buses, trains or ships.