Balkans take precautions against spread of Ebola

Balkans take precautions against spread of Ebola

Experts warn that Ebola is a major threat to the region and could be used as a weapon by terrorists.

Health and airport authorities in the Balkans are taking measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus from Africa, where it has claimed more than 1,000 lives. Airports in Skopje, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Zagreb have readied quarantine plans as a contingency for passengers potentially exposed to the deadly virus. The Skopje airport has its own quarantine room that is always available and other suitable isolated large rooms that can be put into operation if needed.

"Given that filtering or examination of the passengers starts from the first point of departure in the country that is affected, as in the first point of arrival, Skopje airport has no direct connection with any of the west African locations where the virus appeared. However, as a precaution, it is important to develop preventive measures that are co-ordinated by the Ministry of Health of Macedonia," airport manager Nejat Kurt told SETimes.

A 51-year-old Romanian man is believed to be the first from the region with Ebola symptoms. He was taken to hospital in Bucharest after his arrival from Nigeria.

The World Health Organisation has called the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, but last week sought to soothe the fears of air travelers, saying that air travelers are at "low-risk for Ebola transmission."

Croatia’s efforts to guard against Ebola are co-ordinated by the Crisis Centre of the Ministry of Health and the Croatian Institute for Public Health. [AFP]

Authorities in the region should strengthen co-operation to protect the public from Ebola because, like...