Health officer: Ebola outbreak remains low risk to Bermuda
The risk of ebola virus infections in Bermuda remains low, the Ministry of Health said today.
The warning came after the World Health Organisation declared recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health said no cases have been confirmed in Bermuda and the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit was monitoring the spread of the virus.
However, Shaun Ramroop, Bermuda’s Chief Medical Officer, said the precautionary advisory was important.
He said: “Our goal is to ensure that residents have accurate information and understand how to protect themselves when travelling.
“While the risk to Bermuda is low, awareness and early action are key to preventing the importation of infectious diseases.
“Ebola outbreaks can be serious and by staying aware and prepared, Bermuda can respond quickly and keep the public informed.”
The outbreak was declared an epidemic in mid-May after a laboratory in the Ituri province of the DRC confirmed eight cases.
Since then, the WHO has noted 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths between the DRC and Uganda, as well as 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths in the DRC alone.
Ebola is a viral infection transferred through direct contact with infected body fluids.
Fluids can be transferred through cloth, needles and syringes, or direct contact and enter the body through broken skin or through the eyes, mouth or nose.
Symptoms include fever, severe headache, fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
The Ministry of Health said the virus was not contagious until symptoms appeared, which could happen between two and 21 days after exposure.
Ebola can be prevented by avoiding close contact infected humans, primates or bats, as well as by avoiding bush meat from impacted areas.
Other preventive measures include frequent handwashing or sanitising; using condoms during sexual activity; practising proper burial procedures; adhering to recommended health precautions from local authorities; and monitoring local news sources.
Travellers returning from impacted areas should alert customs officers to any ebola symptoms and if they had been in close contact with an infected person.
If no symptoms present themselves, travellers should call the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit on the first business day following their arrival.
Returnees should follow ESU guidance on monitoring symptoms, even after ebola vaccinations.
Anyone presenting symptoms within 21 days should immediately self-isolate and maintain a two-metre distance from others, ensure others do not come into contact with them or their bodily fluids, practise handwashing, particularly after vomiting or using the toilet, and call a doctor or the emergency room.
People travelling to affected areas were urged to review the latest travel health advice before leaving Bermuda.
Anyone who becomes unwell after travelling, particularly with a fever or flu-like symptoms, should contact their healthcare provider or emergency services.
Concerned individuals should explain their recent travel history before attending a clinic or hospital in person.
Healthcare workers have also been reminded to keep an eye out for symptoms in people who recently travelled to affected areas.
The public was encouraged to rely on the Ministry of Health for accurate information, which will be shared through social media, local media and the government’s online health portal.
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