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Low possibility of Ebola reaching Maldives: HPA

Health Protection Authority (HPA) has stated the possibility of Ebola virus epidemic in Congo reaching Maldives is low.

Citing a risk assessment done to determine the reach of Ebola to Maldives, HPA stressed the chances of Ebola reaching Maldives is very low. However, HPA revealed the response plan of Maldives has been activated as World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency over Congo's Ebola outbreak.

HPA said necessary precautionary measures are being taken with relevant authorities to prevent Ebola in Maldives. In this regard, HPA stated meetings are held with Emergency Coordination Committee if health sector to determine the measures to be taken, adding further meetings were held with International Health Regulation (IHR) Committee regarding measures to be taken by separate authorities over the matter. Furthermore, HPA assured the health situation of Maldives is being monitored closely to ensure no such unfavourable situations rise.

WHO has declared the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a public health emergency of international concern, due to a high risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring countries. However, the organization said it does not consider the outbreak as a global threat. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said the risk assessment shows the risk of Ebola spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region remains very high, and the risk of spread outside the region remains low.

Since the Ebola outbreak began in Congo on August 1, 2018, the disease has killed 1,676 people out of 2,512 cases reported through July 15. In a statement, WHO said the emergency declaration reflects the need for more international coordination in response to the outbreak.