Following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (Ebola) in West Africa, all Filipinos in Kenya and in East Africa are hereby advised against all travel to West Africa, unless absolutely necessary.

The outbreak already killed 673 people and infected more than 1,200.

Ebola is a severe, often fatal acute viral illness in humans with a fatality rate of up to 90%. The virus is spread by direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or animal or secretion such as sweat, blood, urine, saliva or semen.

The symptoms of Ebola include the following:
Fever                                       Headache                               Weakness
Joint and muscle aches                Diarrhea                                 Vomiting
Stomach pain                             Lack of appetite

and those infected may experience the following:
Rash                                            Sore throat                           Chest pain
Red Eyes                                      Difficulty swallowing               Difficulty breathing     
Cough                                          Impaired kidney or liver function                   
Hiccups                                        Bleeding inside and outside of the body

Prevention and Control: 

To Reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission, experts advice to AVOID close physical contact, such as shaking of hands and kissing, among others and reduce exposure to infected persons.

If an outbreak is suspected, the premises should be QUARANTINED IMMEDIATELY and seek professional help.

All Filipinos are requested to be vigilant for any unexplained illness and to seek medical treatment immediately. Kindly inform the Embassy of any suspected incident of Ebola infection.

There is no vaccine for Ebola at this time.