Earlier this week, Italy reported two suspected cases among passengers from Uganda, but they later tested negative for Ebola, according to the disease prevention agency.
Belgium has direct daily flights to and from Congo. Brussels Airlines announced adjustments to its crew schedules since the United States banned entry from the region, but stated that these changes wouldn’t impact the current flight schedule.
“In times like these, flights are crucial to keep the region connected and to enable vital medication and medical personnel to reach affected areas,” the airline mentioned in a statement. The airline, part of the Lufthansa Group, reiterated its commitment to maintaining its flight schedule whenever feasible.
The deadly outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no treatments or vaccines. The World Health Organization indicated ongoing discussions with developers of two experimental vaccines, while German diagnostic firm Altona aims to provide a test for the specific Ebola strain in the coming weeks.
Ongoing conflict and the rare viral type are hindering health workers’ efforts to stop the spread of infection, the WHO told reporters.
Health facilities have sometimes been attacked by locals wanting to take the bodies of their loved ones for burial — a practice risking further infections.
Europe’s disease agency is pooling more resources from a network of experts to send additional help. This larger presence will assist in gathering detailed information on exit screening, crucial for identifying symptomatic travelers, the agency stated.
It will also ensure that the agency’s risk assessments and recommendations for European countries and citizens are prompt and up to date.
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