Jamaica Issues Ebola Travel Warning and Expands Port Health Checks

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness is asking Jamaicans and other members of the public to think again about overseas travel that would take them to, or through, countries where Ebola is spreading.

The notice follows the World Health Organization’s decision to classify Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as an international public-health emergency. WHO has rated the danger as high for Africa, but low for the world overall.

Even so, the ministry said Jamaica has stepped up monitoring at ports of entry. Travellers landing in Jamaica, including Jamaicans, who have no symptoms but were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries during the previous 21 days must self-quarantine while being overseen by the local health department.

Anyone who arrives with symptoms will be handled as a suspected Ebola case and placed in isolation, the ministry said.

The public is also being encouraged to rely on official and authorised channels for updates on Ebola and other health matters.