Ebola | Maltese advised to avoid travelling to West Africa

The Public Health Authorities issued a statement advising the public to avoid nonessential travel to the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

The advisory notice was issued as a precautionary measure to limit possible exposure to affected areas with Ebola.

The health authorities said that if travel to these countries is unavoidable direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of a patient or a corpse and with objects possibly contaminated must be avoided at all costs.

A total of 2,615 Ebola infections and 1,427 deaths have been recorded in the outbreak now hitting West Africa, according to figures released on Friday by the WHO. Sierra Leone has been hardest-hit, with at least 910 cases and 392 deaths.

The advisory note also warned against close contact with wild animals and consumption of bush meat, unprotected sexual intercourse and urged everyone to practice careful hygiene.

Anyone residing in areas where Ebola cases have been recently reported is advised to contact the Public Health Authorities on 2132 4086 at the first sign of illness, if this is within the 21 days of departure from the country.

These include signs of fever, headache, achiness, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, red eyes, and in some cases, bleeding.

For further information the public is advised to contact the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on: 2132 4086.