Nassau, New Providence  - It has been reported to the Ministry of Health today that a traveler who was being transported to the Bahamas via a charter aircraft from Tennessee, USA, displayed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. As per the National Ebola Preparedness Protocol, the aircraft was diverted to the designated location. A health evaluation team was transported to the aircraft and evaluated the patient. It was determined that the patient did not travel to an ebola-affected area, nor had any contact with anyone who had traveled to an ebola-affected area. There were no other passengers with any signs of illness upon evaluation. As there was no determined threat to the public' s health, clearance was provided for the aircraft to proceed to its destination.  

For General Information: The public is reminded that the Ebola Virus Disease is a severe disease characterized by sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat; these symptoms may be followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases both internal and external bleeding.  

In December 2013 an Ebola outbreak started in Guinea, West Africa, and spread to Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, The United States of America, and Spain.  A separate outbreak is currently occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most recently, both Nigeria and Senegal have been declared free of Ebola transmission by the World Health Organization.

The World Health Organization has recommended persons to avoid unnecessary travel to Ebola affected countries. Persons who do travel to affected areas should ensure that necessary precautions are taken to avoid exposure.

Returning travellers who experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms within 21 days of arriving home should consult their health care provider immediately or contact the Surveillance Unit at 502-4776/502-4790/397-1021.

For further information please visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.bahamas.gov.bs/health or www.who.org/int