Ebola Precautions in Trinidad and Tobago

Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has revealed that stringent border management measures are now in place in Trinidad and Tobago. Individuals arriving from nations with ongoing Ebola outbreaks will be subjected to health screenings and potential quarantine.

During a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, Bodoe encouraged citizens to think twice about traveling to high-risk countries.

He indicated that there is a current outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in Central and East Africa. The Ministry of Health, aiming to preemptively tackle public health risks at the borders and ensure citizens’ safety, deemed it vital to share urgent preventive guidance.

Bodoe emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining vigilance without disruption. Yet, given recent developments in global health, taking immediate steps to safeguard the population is crucial to prevent complications related to future quarantine or repatriation efforts.

He strongly advised Trinidad and Tobago nationals to avoid traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, which are experiencing active Ebola outbreaks.

These nations are classified as high-risk areas, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Furthermore, the Minister recommended exercising extreme caution when traveling to nine other countries identified by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as high-risk for Ebola. These countries include Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

To protect public health in Trinidad and Tobago, strict border management protocols have been instituted. Travelers arriving from or having transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan will undergo enhanced health screening upon entry.

Such individuals will also face mandatory 21-day active monitoring protocols.

“Based on the outcomes of the initial health screening, travelers might be required to enter immediate isolation or quarantine as instructed by Port Health Authorities,” he noted.

Bodoe offered the following recommendations to the public:

• Consider canceling or postponing trips. Reassess all upcoming travel plans to affected regions.
• Stay updated. Follow guidance from the Ministry of Health and the WHO. If in an affected area or recently returned, seek medical attention if symptoms arise, such as fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, or sore throat.
• Immediately consult a medical professional and isolate yourself from others if you develop symptoms.