Issued by the SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM BOARD (incorporating information from the NCID - National Institute of Communicable Disease) FACT SHEET: EBOLA AUGUST 2014 We have noted with concern recent media reports related to the Ebola virus. While we understand the concern about this virus, which is fatal in nature, it is imperative to take note of the following: 1. Ebola is a virus transmitted primarily via bodily fluids. It is not airborne. As such, it is still safe to make use of our airlines. 2. The incidents of infection and death are reported and prevalent in West African countries, most notably Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the DRC. South Africa does not share borders with any of the countries in that region, nor do our neighbouring countries. 3. The geo-location of the countries affected makes it very difficult for a person with the virus to enter the country via the land borders. Owing to the quick infection to fatality rate of this virus, people with the disease often succumb to the virus within a few days of infection. The South African National Department of Health have stated unequivocally that there are no cases of Ebola in South Africa. Having said that, we remain on high alert for any potential threat or infection. 1. All relevant stakeholders across all our nine provinces have been adequately briefed and outbreak response teams in all provinces have been trained and are on high alert for any possible cases. 2. Body temperature sensors have been installed at OR Tambo International’s immigration queuing points to detect the body temperature of passengers. The airport also has a quarantine facility in an event that passengers are required to be held in isolation prior to be transferred for further treatment. 3. To safeguard against the deadly virus, a decision has been made by the South African National Department of Health that should a foreign national test positive, they will be denied entry into South Africa. Our destination remains open to all who wish to come and visit South Africa, and South African Tourism will assist with all relevant information.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 07:04:54 +0000
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