National Health Advisory Update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
FOR THE ATTENTION OF: Received this email directly 1) DHB Single Points of Contact 2) DHB and Ambulance Service Emergency Planners / Managers 3) Public Health Unit Managers Forward as required 4) Medical Officers of Health 5) Chief Medical Officer 6) Director of Nursing 7) Relevant clinical and non-clinical staff in your DHB 8) GP Liaison Officers 9) Communications Managers 10) Any other deemed necessary by your organisation This advisory has been sent separately to Healthline, ADVISORY SUMMARY: This advisory provides an update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as a result of the current outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo, the WHO Emergency Committee meeting convened under the International Health Regulations and increasing media reporting on the situation. The risk to New Zealand is Low Risk to New Zealand The risk to New Zealand from EVD is low due to the mode of transmission of the virus (direct contact with infected bodily fluids), the large distance between New Zealand and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the low number of travellers coming to New Zealand from DRC, increased exit screening occurring in the DRC, and the rapid response of DRC Government and the WHO to the outbreak, which is likely to contain it. While the risk of a traveller bringing Ebola to New Zealand is low, public messaging and awareness established following the 2014-16 EVD outbreak is still relevant. The key messages encourages any travellers who becomes ill within 28 days from any country to seek medical advice and ensure their GP or Healthline know their travel history. Our public health units also have well established protocols to respond to any traveller who is already ill at the border. Due to the low risk to New Zealand, no additional measures are required at the border beyond the current screening processes for unwell travellers. Health will continue to monitor the situation and