Govt tightens airport screening amid Ebola outbreak

No travel restrictions have been announced.

Pakistan has intensified screening measures at airports across the country, along with other precautionary steps amid Ebola virus outbreak in Africa and World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global emergency.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal directed authorities to enforce strict screening procedures at all airports to help prevent the possible spread of the virus.

The ministry said the Ebola outbreak is currently limited to Congo and Uganda, adding that according to WHO reports, no cases have been detected outside Africa so far.

 

Travelers planning to visit African countries have been advised to follow travel and health guidelines before departure. Officials also stated that no Ebola case has ever been reported in Pakistan or neighboring countries and that the country faces a low risk because of limited travel connections with the affected regions.

However, health authorities have increased monitoring and preparedness measures nationwide following WHO recommendations to strengthen surveillance. No travel restrictions have been announced.

The health minister said preventive measures are being taken proactively due to the recent spread of the virus and assured that effective steps are being implemented to protect the public from epidemics.

The Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the WHO. Authorities have instructed all provinces and border health services to remain alert, while health institutions across the country have been placed on high alert to deal with any emergency situation.

Officials added that Pakistan has the ability to diagnose Ebola and that all necessary arrangements and preparedness measures are being ensured.