Jamaica reports no Ebola cases as eight recent arrivals enter quarantine

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says Jamaica has not recorded any Ebola cases, even as eight people who recently entered the island have been ordered to remain in mandatory self-quarantine under public health rules.

The ministry said the travellers were picked up by heightened checks at Jamaica’s ports of entry because they had either visited or passed through countries affected by Ebola during the previous 21 days.

Health officials reported that the eight passengers came into the country on different flights and were assessed at airport health desks. After receiving counselling, they were directed to self-quarantine and are now being followed up by the local health departments responsible for their areas.

The ministry said none of the eight has displayed signs linked to Ebola. “Transmission is not likely, and therefore there is no risk as it relates to the other passengers on these flights,” the ministry said in a release on Saturday.

According to the ministry, the action forms part of Jamaica’s established port surveillance system, which was reinforced after a public service announcement issued on May 25. The protocol requires quarantine for passengers arriving from countries where Ebola is present.

Authorities are also advising Jamaicans to take a cautious look at any travel arrangements and to stay away from routes that involve visiting or passing through countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said it will continue to share prompt and reliable information through its official channels. It also urged the public, including social media users, bloggers and vloggers, to check claims before reposting them and not to circulate false information about Ebola.

Health officials cautioned that inaccurate reports can trigger needless public worry and said Jamaicans should depend on official and authorised sources for health guidance.