Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Latest update
This Bulletin was last issued on Tuesday, 01 July 2014.The Ebola virus causes Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans, with a fatality rate of up to 90%. The symptoms of Ebola virus disease are severe and can include high fever, muscle pain and weakness, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and internal and external bleeding. There is no known vaccine or cure for Ebola. The virus can be transmitted to humans from wild animals or between humans through bodily fluids, including blood, faeces and sweat. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with the body of a deceased Ebola patient.
Where possible, Australians should avoid travel to areas affected by Ebola virus. Closely monitor the advice provided by local health authorities and the WHO. Australians in West Africa are advised to maintain strict standards of hygiene and avoid direct contact with patients with Ebola or unknown illnesses. Avoid contact with any objects that could have been contaminated with bodily fluids. Travellers should avoid contact with wild animals and should not eat or handle raw or undercooked animal products, such as blood and meat.
Know the symptoms of Ebola virus disease and see a healthcare provider if they develop before or after travel. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have travelled to a region where Ebola was present.
Australians are also advised that borders in the region may be closed at short notice to contain the outbreak. Travellers should seek local advice about border closures before travelling in the region.
For more information about the Ebola virus, see the WHO Ebola factsheet. For information about the current outbreak in West Africa, see the WHO disease outbreak news page. http://smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Ebola
