Trinidad and Tobago has introduced new border health measures, including enhanced screening and possible quarantine procedures, as the government responds to an Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa.

Health Minister Lackram Bodhoe told the House of Representatives on June 10 that the country was taking a proactive approach to managing the risk posed by the outbreak, which has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with reports indicating that more than 600 people have been infected and at least 110 deaths recorded.

Under the new measures, travellers arriving in Trinidad and Tobago who have recently visited Ebola-affected countries will undergo health screening.

Those individuals will also be placed under mandatory 21-day active monitoring protocols, according to the minister.

“Depending on the results of the initial health screening, travellers may also be subject to immediate isolation or quarantine measures as directed by Port Health Authorities,” Bodhoe said.

The Health Minister advised citizens and residents to avoid travelling to or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan due to the increased risk of Ebola exposure.

Travel to several other African countries has also been discouraged after being identified as high-risk countries by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

These include Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia.

The Ministry of Health is advising citizens to reconsider upcoming travel plans to affected areas, monitor updates from health authorities and seek medical attention if symptoms develop after travelling.

Symptoms associated with Ebola can include sudden fever, extreme weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.