Oct 7, 2014 | Travel
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history. The CDC has issued warnings to avoid nonessential travel to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, and travel alerts to practice enhanced precautions for travel to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The current outbreak is concentrated in these West African nations, all of which are outside Africa’s main tourist centers.
Travelers with plans to visit Africa should visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/ebola for the latest updates. Some airlines, including Air France, Kenya Airways, Asky Airlines, Arik Air, British Airways and Emirates, have suspended routes to affected areas of West Africa in recent weeks (The Washington Times). Travelers to Africa should check with their airline or travel agent with regard to their tour operator before departure for any cancellations or rerouting information.
Disease background: According to the CDC, Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood, bodily secretions or other fluids, or exposure to contaminated objects, such as needles. It cannot be spread simply by being near someone who is infected. People only become contagious after they begin to have symptoms, such as high-grade fever, vomiting, muscle pain or severe headache. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/ebola.
The CDC has prepared guidelines and tips for travelers to West Africa or others who may come in contact with the disease. Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/ebola-liberia to learn more. Additional information is available from the World Health Organization and U.S. State Department. Refer to these agencies for the latest travel advisories and warnings