CDC Media Statement: US government to Initiate Public Health Measures to Respond to Ebola in Guinea and DRC - February 26, 2021

[sharon sanders]

From: "Media@cdc.gov (CDC)" <sohco@CDC.GOV>
To: MMWR-MEDIA@LISTSERV.CDC.GOV
Subject: CDC Media Statement: USG to Initiate Public Health Measures to Respond to Ebola in Guinea and DRC
Date: Feb 26, 2021 8:33 PM


Media Statement

For Immediate Release
Friday Feb. 26, 2021
Contact: CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

USG to Initiate Public Health Measures to Respond to Ebola in Guinea and DRC

CDC is closely following the outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Guinea.

The outbreaks are centered in remote areas of these countries. The risk of Ebola to the United States is extremely low. The Biden Administration is committed to working closely with the affected countries to end these outbreaks before they grow into epidemics.

Air travel has the potential to transport people, some of whom may have been exposed to a communicable disease, anywhere across the globe in less than 24 hours. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. government will institute public health measures for the very small number of travelers arriving from the DRC and Guinea.

Beginning next week, the U.S. government will funnel travelers from DRC and Guinea to six U.S. airports. Airlines will collect and transmit passenger information to CDC for public health follow-up and intervention for all passengers boarding a flight to the U.S. who were in DRC or Guinea within the previous 21 days. This information will be shared with U.S. state and local health departments to appropriately monitor arrivals in their jurisdiction.

 

[sharon sanders]

Please see:

Guinea - Ebola outbreak - 2021 -9 cases-10 suspected cases, incl 6 deaths

DRC - Ebola-7 cases including 4 deaths

 

[sharon sanders]

bump this

 

[Treyfish]

Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory

Travel Advisory
February 25, 2021
Democratic Republic of the Congo - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

OKHUTC
Reconsider travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19, crime, civil unrest and Ebola. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Democratic Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19.

Democratic Republic of the Congo has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Do Not Travel To:

• North Kivu province due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, Ebola, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
• Ituri province due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
• The eastern DRC region and the three Kasai provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, Kasai-Central) due to crime, civil unrest, armed conflict and kidnapping...:tiphat:https://travel.state.gov/content/tr...ic-republic-of-the-congo-travel-advisory.html

 

[Treyfish]

Guinea Travel Advisory

Travel Advisory
February 25, 2021
Guinea - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

HU
Reconsider travel to Guinea due to COVID-19 and Ebola. Exercise increased caution in Guinea due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Guinea due to COVID-19.

Guinea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Guinea. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Guinea.

Do Not Travel To:

• N’Zerekore region due to Ebola.

Country Summary: Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country and are often sporadic and unplanned, making it difficult to predict the size, route, or level of violence or congestion that may occur.

Any demonstration may turn violent, resulting in injuries and even fatalities. Demonstrators may attack vehicles that attempt to pass through or around the protests, resulting in serious injuries and vehicular damage. Criminals are known to take advantage of the resulting traffic congestion to rob drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Uniformed security forces may also extort drivers and passengers during these incidents.

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Guinea:

• See the U.S. Embassy’s webpage regarding COVID-19.
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
• Read the CDC Notice on Ebola in Guinea.
• Visit the CDC’S Traveler’s Health Page for Guinea.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Guinea.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

N’Zerekore Region: Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Southeastern Guinea is experiencing an Ebola virus outbreak, with confirmed cases in N’Zerekore region. The CDC issued a Level 3 Travel Notice for Ebola in Guinea.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to Ebola Information.
:tiphat:https://travel.state.gov/content/tr.../traveladvisories/guinea-travel-advisory.html