WHO Experts Advise Against Travel or Trade Ban on Ebola Affected Countries

Health consultants to the World Health Organization (WHO) said that there should not be a general ban on travel or trade with Ebola affected countries in West Africa.

"Ebola has now killed at least 2,793 people in five countries and remains a public health emergency of international concern", WHO said in statement released after the Emergency Committee held its second meeting last week, reports Reuters.

 "Flight cancellations and other travel restrictions continue to isolate affected countries, resulting in detrimental economic consequences, and hinder relief and response efforts risking further international spread," the statement said.

"The Committee strongly reiterated that there should be no general ban on international travel or trade..."

The committee also asked officials of the Ebola affected nations to cooperate with the aviation and maritime sectors to solve differences and to address the transport problems through well coordinated efforts between the departments.

However, the committee said that quarantines might be needed in areas of intense and widespread transmission of Ebola virus.

"States should ensure that they are proportionate and evidence-based and that accurate information, essential services and commodities, including food and water, are provided to the affected populations," the committee said, reports Reuters.

The Ebola outbreak has affected the tourism industry too.  Netherlands-based tour operator Safari Bookings conducted a survey among 500 tour operators and found out that more than half of them are receiving 20 to 70 percent less bookings, reports The Telegraph.

The company said that the Ebola outbreak has affected businesses in East Africa more than in southern Africa.

It also said that the series of terrorist attacks in the region, especially Kenya, might also have contributed to the low bookings.

 "It is a heavy blow for the industry and the numerous wildlife reserves that rely on its revenue," a company spokesman said.

The interesting thing is that the Ebola outbreak has been concentrated in parts of Western Africa - far away from the safari parks of Eastern and southern Africa.