Ebola alert at South Africa airport

The reported outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa has put the South African National Department of Health on high alert and the authorities assure tourists travelling to South Africa that all the necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus disease (EVD). For the safety of tourists, there are thermal scanners installed at the OR Tambo Johannesburg Airport – infected travellers, when identified, are quarantined and given proper medical attention at the airport. Steps like regular fumigation and disinfection of the South African Airways’ aircraft and increased surveillance for travellers with EVD symptoms are also being taken.

Entry into South Africa is denied to all foreign nationals tested positive and all the citizens of the affected nations: Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Even those who have briefly visited these countries may face restrictions. Like India, Europe and most other nations, South Africa falls under ‘low risk countries’ so tourists are requested not to panic and for more information, visit, http://www.saembassy.org/