Oman advises 21-day health monitoring for travellers from Ebola-hit countries

Oman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a new directive advising travelers and airlines to adhere to precautionary health measures due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The circular, issued on May 24, aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The authority urged travellers to avoid unnecessary travel to outbreak-affected areas, monitor official health updates issued by WHO and national health authorities, and ensure they have adequate health and medical evacuation insurance before travelling.

The CAA is coordinating with the Medical Response Sector to ensure airlines operating to Oman and passengers arriving from or traveling to affected regions strictly follow health and safety guidelines. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid non-essential trips to outbreak zones, stay informed through official health updates, and secure adequate health and medical evacuation insurance before their journeys.

During travel, passengers should avoid contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms like fever or bleeding and refrain from exposure to bodily fluids. The authority also emphasized the importance of regular handwashing and using alcohol-based sanitizers. Upon arrival in Oman, travelers from affected areas are instructed to monitor their health for 21 days, reporting any symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or unexplained bleeding to medical professionals immediately and avoiding contact with others.

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Upon arrival in Oman, travellers from affected areas have been advised to monitor their health for 21 days from the date of departure.

The CAA clarified that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects, not through the air. The authority stressed that early detection and rapid reporting are crucial for limiting transmission and safeguarding public health.

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Anyone experiencing symptoms including fever, severe headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding or extreme fatigue has been instructed to seek immediate medical attention, disclose their travel history and avoid contact with others until medical evaluation is completed.