No ebola case in Jamaica says health ministry

There's no presence of ebola in Jamaica, according to the country's Ministry of Health & Wellness.

This response came in response to rumours emanating in the western parish of Westmoreland on Saturday. 

The ministry confirmed, however, that eight persons with recent travel history associated with the affected countries are currently under voluntary quarantine.

The Ministry revealed on Saturday afternoon that eight passengers from several flights into the country had a recent travel history associated with the affected countries. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacqueline Bissasor McKenzie said the individuals have received counseling from the airport health desk, placed under mandatory self-quarantine, and are being monitored by the respective health departments.

"The ministry has heightened surveillance at our ports of entry. Any person entering the country from a country where there is an outbreak of Ebola virus disease will be quarantined," she said. 

Regarding the eight recent travelers, Dr Bisasor McKenzie strssed that so far they have shown no ebola symptom and "are not suspected cases."

"This is a precautionary measure to ensure early detection of cases. The health departments will continue to do daily monitoring of persons in quarantine," she said.

She is urging Jamaicans to review their travel plans and avoid traveling to or transiting through affected countries 

The Chief Medical Officer is encouraging  members of the public, including social media users, bloggers, and vloggers, to verify information before sharing it and to desist from circulating misinformation concerning the Ebola virus, which can cause unnecessary public anxiety. 

The public is being urged to rely only on official and authorised sources for health information.