in briefCountries including the United States and Canada have started placing travel restrictions on travellers from Ebola-hit areas.The outbreak has now surpassed 1,000 cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Countries around the world are starting to impose travel restrictions on those coming from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the Ebola outbreak in Africa worsens.The Australian Department of Health has told SBS News, however, that "what other countries do is not necessarily the right approach for Australia", as it flags no changes to current management strategies. "Australia is closely monitoring developments in the DRC and Uganda and is aware of measures taken by other countries," a spokesperson for the department said."Australia sets its border measures based on Australia's circumstances." On Wednesday, the US said it must prevent anyone with Ebola from reaching it, following Canada's ban on residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan from entering for 90 days. News that makes senseYour trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox."We cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States," US secretary of state Marco Rubio said.The US imposed a travel ban on non-citizens from affected regions last week and extended that ban to green card holders on Friday.Canada is imposing 21-day quarantine measures for citizens and permanent residents returning from affected areas.The Bahamas, Jordan, and Bahrain have also imposed travel bans, while Thailand, Kenya, the Cayman Islands, and India have launched screening and surveillance procedures. The European Union's Health Secretary Committee said last week that screenings were not necessary for passengers from the DRC or Uganda and that the risk to the European population is low.Ebola an 'international concern'The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola the third-largest such outbreak on record, and a public health emergency of international concern.The latest figures from the DRC's health ministry show 1,077 suspected cases, 121 confirmed cases, 246 suspected deaths, and 17 confirmed deaths. The Ugandan health ministry has confirmed seven cases and one death. On Wednesday, Uganda ordered a temporary closure of its border with the DRC.The WHO has discouraged border closures with the DRC, despite acknowledging concerns that the outbreak could spread to neighbouring countries. The outbreak is currently concentrated along the DRC's western border. The disease can only be spread through contact with bodily fluids — it is not thought to travel via airborne particles — but has a significant mortality rate. The Bundibugyo variant of the disease has no specific treatments or vaccines, but is thought to be less fatal than the Zaire or Sudan strains.Ebola causes sudden flu-like symptoms before progressing to vomiting and diarrhoea, internal and external bleeding, and multi-organ failure. Risk to Australia is 'low'The Department of Health has said that the disease represents a low risk to Australia."Australia has strong border health measures to screen for people who may be symptomatic with very serious communicable diseases like Ebola disease," the spokesperson said."Incoming travellers who have signs or symptoms of Ebola disease are assessed and if required will be referred for appropriate medical care and management."No cases of Ebola have ever been detected in Australia. The government has said it is rolling out public health signage at airports about the virus. Smartraveller already advises against visiting the DRC or South Sudan and recommends a high degree of caution in Uganda.The government is consulting Australian humanitarian organisations considering deploying to the affected regions to mitigate the risk of viral spread. The Health Department said it and the Australian Centre for Disease Control would continue to monitor the situation and, should the need arise, work with border agencies to consider additional actions.For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
Will Australia follow the US and Canada on Ebola travel restrictions?
The Department of Health says it is "closely monitoring" the situation.












