The Government of Liberia has announced new health and travel measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the country following outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The advisory was issued Monday by the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia after the World Health Organization declared the outbreaks in both countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Under the new measures, all travelers arriving from or passing through the DRC and Uganda will be required to complete a Traveler’s Surveillance Form upon arrival in Liberia. Health screening, including temperature checks, has also been intensified at airports, seaports, and land borders across the country.
In the advisory, the Government stated:
“At all points of entry (airports, ground crossings, and sea ports), health screening including body temperature will be checked on all travelers. A person suspected of having signs and symptoms of EVD or any other infectious disease will be managed accordingly.”
Health authorities said travelers would also receive information on Ebola prevention and are being encouraged to monitor themselves for symptoms and report any suspected illness to the nearest health facility or through the national toll-free line 4455.
The Government further urged the public and transport operators to follow basic safety measures, including regular handwashing, use of sanitizers, and avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
Officials also warned that any aircraft, vessel, vehicle, cargo, or human remains suspected of contamination would be disinfected at points of entry to prevent possible transmission.
As part of the advisory, Liberians and foreign residents have been strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to countries currently affected by Ebola.
Despite the regional outbreak, the Government reassured citizens that no Ebola case has been recorded in Liberia.
“The Government of Liberia assures the public that there is currently no case of Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia. However, heightened surveillance and preparedness measures are being implemented to protect public health,” the statement noted.
The advisory was signed by Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Interim Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, and Dr. Louise Mapleh, Minister of Health.
Authorities say the advisory will remain under review and may be updated depending on the situation in affected countries.
