Analysts from Hong Kong’s Department of Health recently placed Liberia on the list of regions affected by the Ebola virus.
The list is designed to be a single document that will help health care workers provide improved control measures and local surveillance immediately upon Ebola’s detection. Liberia was most recently added to the list because its health care workers have confirmed three new Ebola cases.
The preventive and control measures for the virus include a variety of procedures. There will be improved surveillance of people who have symptoms of Ebola and a travel history that includes the affected regions. If people have had contact with Ebola patients, they will be quarantined immediately.
Health care workers will also implement port health measures to carry out routine temperature screening. If anyone is found at the airport with travel documents that include the affected countries, they will need to cooperate with health professionals.
Education and other measures will also be included in the preventive and control measures.
Health care professionals are encouraging the general public, especially in Liberia, to stay aware of the affected regions. People should not travel to the affected countries if it is unnecessary.
“In view of the latest developments on Ebola globally, the public should avoid unnecessary travel to Guinea and Liberia,” a Department of Health spokesperson said. “Liberia is now included as an affected area under the epidemiological reporting criteria of Ebola while other criteria remain unchanged.”
