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As the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the recent Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency, Canadians are left pondering whether similar travel restrictions to those imposed by the United States should be implemented. With reported cases exceeding 600 and at least 139 suspected fatalities, health experts are weighing in on the effectiveness of such measures while the Canadian government currently advises caution rather than outright bans.
The Current Ebola Situation
On Sunday, the WHO categorised the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) as a public health emergency of international concern. This has raised alarms globally, particularly in regions close to the affected areas. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the WHO, noted on Wednesday that the number of cases is likely to rise, prompting further scrutiny of travel policies.
In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security have introduced a travel ban for foreign nationals who have been in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. Though the CDC assesses the immediate risk to the general American public as low, they remain vigilant, stating that they will revise public health measures as new information emerges.
Canada’s Travel Advisory and Expert Opinions
Currently, Canada does not enforce travel restrictions akin to those in the United States. The government has, however, issued a level two travel advisory for Congo, advising Canadians to avoid all travel to the Ituri and North Kivu provinces due to safety and security concerns. This advisory suggests that travellers should adopt enhanced health precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment and the postponement of travel until the risk diminishes.
Experts specialising in infectious diseases have expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy of travel bans. Dr. Gerald Evans, a professor at Queen’s University, stated, “Travel restrictions don’t work when it comes to controlling the spread of something like a viral hemorrhagic fever virus like Ebola.” His views are echoed by Dr. Isaac Bog
