KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health on Friday disclosed that, to date, it has successfully quarantined eight travellers who visited Jamaica from countries with Ebola outbreaks.
According to Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson, the travellers were quarantined in order to safeguard the population and to minimise any possible risk of introduction of the Ebola virus into Jamaica.
The news release said seven of them were successfully monitored by senior public health officers and have since been released from quarantine or have left the island prior to the end of the quarantine period.
“The eighth individuals will remain in quarantine until Saturday, 17 January 2015, with ongoing twice daily monitoring by the Public Health team for signs and symptoms of Ebola,” the news release read.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse explained: “These travellers arrived in Jamaica within 21 days of leaving the countries where the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease is taking place. This is the incubation period or the time from the last possible exposure until signs and symptoms occur.
“All of the travellers remained well during the period of quarantine and monitoring and showed no signs and symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease,” Bullock DuCasse emphasised. “The Ebola virus is only spread when signs and symptoms appear.”
The statement said that while there is a travel restriction for visitors entering the country, Jamaican citizens have a right to return home, and as such, the travel restrictions do not apply.
In the meantime, Dr Ferguson urged Jamaicans to continue to cooperate with the health team as the ministry remains vigilant and systems are strengthened to prevent and control any possible introduction of the Ebola virus into the island. (Observer)
