WHO, Travel Groups Recommend Ebola-Hit Nations Screen Outbound Travelers

News outlets report on the WHO’s recommendations made Monday that Ebola-hit countries screen outbound travelers at border crossings.

Associated Press: U.N. urges exit screening for Ebola at some airports
“Ebola-affected countries should immediately begin exit screening all passengers leaving international airports, sea ports, and major ground crossings, the U.N. health agency said on Monday…” (Heilprin, 8/18).

International Business Times: World Health Organization Calls On Ebola-Hit Countries To Screen Departing Travelers For The Disease
“Countries suffering from the Ebola outbreak should screen passengers departing from airports, seaports and international border crossings for signs of the virus, the World Health Organization recommended Monday…” (Mangla, 8/18).

Reuters: Ebola-hit countries must screen all departing travelers: WHO
“…In a statement, the U.N. health agency reiterated that the risk of getting infected with Ebola on an aircraft was small and said there was no need for wider travel or trade restrictions…” (8/18).

Roll Call: WHO, Aviation Groups Urge Focus on Containing Ebola, Not Inhibiting Air Travel
“…The statement came from the WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the World Tourism Organization, Airports Council International, the International Air Transport Association, and the World Travel and Tourism Council…” (Curry, 8/18).

U.N. News Centre: Ebola: U.N. health agency requests exit screening of travelers leaving affected countries
“The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today said any persons with an illness consistent with Ebola should not be allowed to travel by air, sea or land from affected countries unless it is part of a medical evacuation, as it also expressed concern over the threats and harassment of health workers in West African countries developing into a ‘worry element’…” (8/18).

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