Health Ministry says no Ebola in Jamaica; 8 non-symptomatic travellers in quarantine

The health ministry has assured that there is no Ebola case in Jamaica.

This in response to comments on social media about some persons in Westmoreland believed to have the disease.

In a statement today, the ministry indicated that, in keeping with port of entry surveillance protocol for travellers from affected countries, some persons are in quarantine.

They are not symptomatic.

The ministry is reminding persons who have travelled to or transited through Ebola affected countries within the last 21 days that they will be quarantined upon arrival, as the health team at Jamaica’s ports of entry ramp up surveillance.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie confirmed that 8 passengers from several flights into the country had a travel history associated with affected countries.

These individuals have received counselling from the airport health desk, placed under mandatory self-quarantine and are being monitored by the respective health departments.

All eight passengers have not manifested any symptoms associated with Ebola, therefore transmission is not likely, and therefore there is no risk as it relates to the other passengers on these flights.

The ministry is urging members of the public, including social media users, bloggers, and vloggers, to verify information before sharing it and to desist from circulating misinformation concerning the Ebola virus, which can cause unnecessary public anxiety.