Tanzania tightens health screening for international travellers amid Ebola concerns

Tanzania tightens health screening for international travellers amid Ebola concerns - An Ebola health worker at a treatment centre in Beni. (Photo: Al-hadji Kudra Maliro/AP)

High-risk travellers will be subject to daily health monitoring for 21 days through automated messages or other communication channels.

Tanzania has strengthened health screening and surveillance measures for international travellers following an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and confirmation of seven cases in neighbouring Kenya.

The measures, effective immediately, require all incoming travellers to complete an online health surveillance form before departure for Tanzania or upon arrival, according to Travel Advisory No. 18 issued by the Ministry of Health on Saturday.

Travellers are required to provide accurate information through the ministry's online portal and retain a confirmation QR code or reference number for verification by port health authorities, said the travel advisory.

The advisory, signed by Permanent Secretary Grace Magembe, said all travellers entering the country through airports, land borders and seaports would undergo health screening, including temperature checks.

Individuals suspected of having EVD symptoms or other infectious diseases will be managed in accordance with national screening procedures, it said.

High-risk travellers will be subject to daily health monitoring for 21 days through automated messages or other communication channels, said the advisory, adding that they must cooperate with the follow-up process and respond to messages even after leaving Tanzania.

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The ministry also urged travellers and transport operators to observe infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, the use of sanitisers and avoiding unnecessary physical contact.

Any transport vehicle or vessel contaminated by a suspected case, cargo or human remains associated with EVD or another infectious disease will be decontaminated at the point of entry, said the advisory.

It said travellers are advised to report suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility or relevant authorities through the toll-free number 199 or email [email protected].

The ministry said the advisory would be reviewed as necessary and urged travellers leaving Tanzania to comply with the entry requirements of their destination or transit countries.