News of an Ebola outbreak in 2014 is a cause for concern; is it still safe to travel?
The Ebola outbreak in 2014 is ongoing in West Africa, with a history in Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia as some of the territories affected. Rumors of an outbreak in the US were disproved, and it's unlikely the disease will reach stateside. Travel advice comes in handy for anyone going on a trip in the coming weeks, though.
The CDC discourages travel to the territories mentioned, due to their history of multiple Ebola outbreaks. Nigeria is an exception, with less than a dozen reports confirmed so far.
It pays to be informed about airlines' protocols in containing an outbreak; some airlines (British Airways, Emirates) cancelled flights to affected areas altogether, and the CDC released procedures for containing a potential outbreak.
Stateside, travel advisories are continually updated on the CDC website, in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration. Related diseases, like immune deficiencies are considered in travel advisories, especially in U.S. airports.
The Ebola outbreak in 2014 is contained within the affected areas mentioned. Unlike the airborne SARS, Ebola is primarily transmitted through physical contact, through body fluids like sweat and blood. Travelers should be properly informed about vaccinations prior to departure as well.
Proper and basic hygiene makes a difference in avoiding the disease.
Ebola is relatively isolated in a few African territories, and does not affect the entire continent. Travel to popular tourist destinations like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco are still safe, so long as all the precautions are taken.
It's important travel insurance covers for illnesses and accidents while abroad. The precaution isn't a safeguard against Ebola, but the medical expenses covered minimize the worries, especially if the insurance covers for emergency medical transport.
The Ebola outbreak 2014 is still unsolved, and quarantine remains the best response; travelers are advised to plan their trips with this considered (source: foxnews.com).
