Ebola Signs and Symptoms to Look for Before and During Travel

As many of us know, Ebola has become quite an epidemic in Africa as well as a topic of much debate in the United States. Concerns have raised for those who have recently traveled and also those who are looking to travel in the near future. Alpha Flight Guru would like to take this opportunity to share what we’ve learned about this outbreak to educate and inform travelers, along with anyone else who has raised interest in this topic.
According to the CDC, signs of Ebola include but are not limited to: “fever and symptoms of severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising”. Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids and not spread through air, water, or food.
There are no FDA-approved vaccines currently available for Ebola. If you are planning to travel, here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
• Wash hands often with soap, when available or use alcohol-based sanitizer frequently
• Avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids, particularly an ill person
• Do not handle items that have come in contact with a sick person’s blood or bodily fluids
• Check your temperature often and for any sickness symptoms prior to traveling

If you are traveling to an area with an Ebola outbreak or come in contact with someone who has you should check for signs and symptoms of Ebola for 21 days. During the time you are watching for signs and signals you can still continue normal activities, including work. This is also a time of flu season in the US which has similar symptoms, seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.

The CDC is working with airlines, airports, and ministries of health to provide technical assistance for the development of exit screening and travel restrictions in affected areas. During this time of high-alert, the CDC also recommends travelers to take extra caution and unless absolutely necessary, avoid travel to areas of West Africa such as: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Alpha Flight Guru wishes all travelers safe and healthy journeys now and especially in this time of heightened concern. For more information on travel notices regarding Ebola, visit the CDC travel page.