The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advisories overnight for two countries, reflecting growing concerns over health and security risks. The primary update relates to Burundi, where the FCDO added information regarding the Ebola outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 15 May.
In addition to this, the FCDO has revised its guidance for Bolivia, now advising against all but essential travel to the department of La Paz, including the city itself, due to recent unrest. There have been significant disruptions and violent incidents near government buildings in central La Paz, underscoring the need for caution.
The Ebola situation in central Africa continues to escalate. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain have surged to approximately 600. Unfortunately, vaccines specifically targeting this strain are not yet available; the most promising candidate is expected to take six to nine months before any doses can be administered.
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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, confirmed that 139 deaths have been recorded so far and cautioned that these numbers are likely to increase. He emphasized the significance of the outbreak by declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Travelers to or through the affected region may encounter enhanced health screening at international borders, and are advised to verify entry requirements carefully.
Dr. Vasee Moorthy of the WHO explained that the potential vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain is based on the same platform as existing Ebola vaccines targeting the Zaire strain, but clinical doses are currently unavailable. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO emergencies lead, highlighted that identifying transmission chains is a top priority to properly assess and manage the outbreak.
The WHO assesses the epidemic risk as high at both national and regional levels, though globally the risk remains low.
British nationals currently in or near Plaza Murillo and central La Paz should exercise heightened caution due to ongoing security concerns.