African countries issue deadly Ebola virus outbreak alert

Internal strife and civil war has caused an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Bikoro, Equateur Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ebola virus disease (EVD), also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) or simply Ebola, is a viral hemorrhagic fever of humans and other primates with a mortality rate of up to 90%. The strife has crippled the Congolese medical infrastructure.

Travel site eTurboNews reports East African states like Tanzania, Kenya and others which border the DRC have issued an alert warning resident, travelers and visitors to take serious precaution over the outbreak.

Kenya flights to India

Of immediate concern to India would be the Nairobi hub of Kenya Airways, Jomo Kenyatta airport, a busy entry point for travellers to and from Congo. Kenya Airways operates two daily direct flights from Nairobi to Mumbai, and many middle east carriers operate flights via their hubs to various cities in India.

Bangalore Aviation has contacted the Mumbai airport operator MIAL, and is awaiting a statement from them. In the past, the airports follow instructions from the Government of India, but it is unclear if any specific screening procedures have been instituted for flights from East Africa.

Countries bordering DRC

As per Wikipedia, the DRC borders the Central African Republic and South Sudan to the north; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania to the east; Zambia to the south; Angola to the southwest; and the Republic of the Congo and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Bangalore Aviation recommends travellers exercise extreme caution.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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