International airlines issue emergency alert regarding Ebola outbreak.

The Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has issued a letter announcing a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

The response efforts are facing many difficulties.

According to ICAO, the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus is currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated equipment.

As of May 26th, the WHO assessed the risk of BVD transmission in the DRC as very high, high at the regional level, and low at the global level. Currently, the WHO does not recommend implementing international travel restrictions, including suspending flights, closing borders, banning travel, or implementing health quarantine at border crossings.

Ebola is spreading too rapidly, overwhelming Congo's response capabilities.

Photo: Reuters

However, response efforts in affected areas are hampered by security instability, population migration, and limited capacity for contact tracing, isolation, and referral for treatment. The risk of cross-border transmission remains high due to large-scale population movement and open border systems.

On the other hand, air travel by infected individuals or those in close contact can increase the risk of international spread if not properly managed through close coordination between Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) and Public Health Agencies (PHAs).

In this context, ICAO recommends that member states strengthen surveillance and preparedness at border crossings, including procedures for detecting, assessing, and handling passengers exhibiting symptoms of illness; and enhance coordination mechanisms between public health agencies, aviation authorities, airport operators, and airlines.

Simultaneously, implement appropriate screening and public health measures at border crossings in accordance with WHO guidelines; ensure the availability of isolation, referral, and treatment procedures for suspected cases; provide accurate and timely information to passengers, stakeholders at airports, and aircraft operators...

Countries are also encouraged to coordinate with public health authorities and aviation industry stakeholders in accordance with ICAO Annexes and related guidance documents, WHO guidance, and other specialized guidance documents.

Tan Son Nhat Airport proactively takes preventive measures.

Earlier - on May 28th, Tan Son Nhat International Airport also announced the implementation of a proactive plan to prevent and control the Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak for aviation staff and passengers.

Specifically, incoming travelers showing suspected symptoms will be directed to a temporary medical isolation area for contact information collection, detailed epidemiological data gathering, and screening as per regulations. If the case meets the definition of a suspected case according to the Ministry of Health 's Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ebola Virus Disease, the HCDC will apply medical isolation measures, collect samples for testing, and handle the case according to regulations for Group A infectious diseases.

Units must immediately notify the International Health Quarantine Department - HCDC at the airport or the nearest medical facility when they detect passengers with suspected symptoms of Ebola virus disease such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding after returning from an affected area.

The port authorities advise people not to panic and to monitor official updates from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. Those returning from areas experiencing outbreaks should proactively monitor their health for 21 days. They should also avoid direct contact with people suspected of having Ebola, blood, bodily fluids (sweat, saliva, vomit, feces, urine), or personal belongings of infected individuals.

If passengers experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding after returning from an epidemic area, they should immediately go to a medical facility and provide a full travel and contact history for guidance and timely treatment.

Upon detecting individuals exhibiting symptoms suspected of being Ebola hemorrhagic fever, it is necessary to proactively contact the International Health Quarantine at Tan Son Nhat International Airport via hotline: 0988.587.009 or the Airport Duty Officer via phone number 028.3844.1740 or 028.3848.5383 - extension 4320 or hotline: 0931.361.919 for timely and appropriate action.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hang-khong-quoc-te-bao-dong-khan-ve-dich-ebola-185260602165355557.htm