Jamaica Warns Against Travel to Uganda and DRC as Ebola Outbreaks Escalate

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a travel warning advising the public not to visit or pass through Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo after Ebola outbreaks in both countries were declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation.

Health officials in Uganda and the DRC announced Ebola outbreaks on May 15, after laboratory results verified Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola virus, in both countries. The WHO raised the matter to a PHEIC on May 17, the strongest international health alert it can issue before a pandemic-level emergency.

The latest development represents the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC, where Ebola was first detected in 1976.

Jamaica has not confirmed any cases, but surveillance has been strengthened at every port of entry. Anyone arriving in Jamaica who travelled to, or transited through, the affected countries within the previous 21 days will have to self-quarantine under health department supervision, regardless of symptoms.

Travellers who show signs associated with Ebola will be treated immediately as suspected cases and placed in isolation.