Ebola Outbreak: WHO warns against restriction on trade activities in W/Africa

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned countries in the West Africa subregion against placing bans on travel and trade as a result of the deadly Ebola virus.

According to the world health body, people should be allowed to transact business by way of free movement, as usual.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, April 7, Dr. Magda Robalo, the Country Representative of WHO, said there has not been any travel or trade restrictions as a result of the virus.

“WHO is not recommending any restriction on travel or of trade with Guinea, Mali, Liberia, Senegal or Ghana or any other country where cases of Ebola have been suspected or confirmed,” Dr. Robalo said. “There’s no need for restriction of trade, of travel.”

Reports are that some West African countries have shut their borders against fear of emigrants from "contaminated" countries spreading the virus.

“There is no need for people to fear coming to Ghana or going to Guinea," Dr. Robalo said. "That’s not the way to deal with the Ebola outbreak.”

She revealed that special measures have been taken by the Organisation to tackle the spread of the disease among nations.

Breaking out in Guinea for the first time in West Africa, the Ebola virus has killed at least 80 in three countries so far.

In its acute stage, the virus causes vomiting, diarrhea and external bleeding.