Ebola outbreak: Bahrain bans entry of passengers from three countries

Bahrain has temporarily halted entry for visitors from African countries like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda owing to the Ebola virus outbreak on the continent. Bahrain’s official news agency stated that the ban would be in place from May 19 to the next 30 days. The move is part of the country’s efforts to protect public health and is a preventive measure against the spread of the virus. With this latest announcement, Bahrain became the first Gulf country to impose travel restrictions amid the Ebola outbreak.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has expressed concern over the rising cases of Ebola virus in the African countries. Around 26 deaths have been reported in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of deaths in the country to 139. Besides, 516 patients are currently undergoing treatment with symptoms of the virus. Two cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the neighbouring country of Uganda, too.

WHO’s director general, Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that the rare Bundibugyo strain spreading across Africa could cause a global health emergency. Considering the alarming rise in cases, the US Department of State has also issued a travel advisory for its citizens. The advisory warns US citizens to avoid travelling to Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda, and to reconsider their travel plans to Rwanda.

Besides, the US has reportedly temporarily suspended visas from these countries. The Gulf region is under strict alert as the Ebola virus spreads primarily through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons.

India issues health advisory for these countries
India's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a health advisory today for Ebola-affected countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Read more here.