There have been no cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in South Africa associated with the current outbreak in West Africa. There are no suspected cases of EVD in South Africa at present.
Two patients in South African hospitals have been tested for Ebola virus infection in the past few weeks. In both cases, a history of travel to countries at risk for EVD prompted the concern of possible infection with the virus, even though their respective illnesses were not suggestive of EVD. Testing was done as a precautionary measure, and both patients tested negative for EVD. An alternative diagnosis was confirmed for each patient.
Healthy persons returning from travel to other African countries and who have had no risk exposures have been requesting testing for Ebola virus; however, such testing is not warranted.
The World Health Organization regularly reviews the EVD outbreak public health situation and recommends travel or trade restrictions if necessary. At present, no travel or trade restrictions are recommended.
The risk of Ebola virus infection for travellers to the affected West African countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) is very low, even if the visit included travel to the local areas from which primary cases have been reported. Infection with Ebola virus requires direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected living or dead persons or animals, all of which are unlikely exposures for the average traveller.
For more information contact: Nombuso Shabalala on 011 555 0545 / 0828864238
