The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel warnings for two countries overnight, with one advisory related to an Ebola outbreak.
Burundi: Ebola Outbreak Alert
The FCDO has revised its travel advice for Burundi, adding information about a declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 15 May. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Travelers may face heightened health screening at regional borders. The FCDO advises checking entry requirements for transit or destination countries and consulting resources like TravelHealth Pro for details on Ebola and similar diseases.
As of the latest reports, there have been 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths, with numbers expected to rise. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the risk is high at national and regional levels but low globally. Dr. Vasee Moorthy, WHO research lead, noted that a promising vaccine for Bundibugyo is not expected to be available for six to nine months. The WHO is prioritizing identification of transmission chains to define the outbreak scale.
Bolivia: Unrest in La Paz
The FCDO also updated its travel advice for Bolivia, now advising against all but essential travel to the department of La Paz, including the city of La Paz. Serious disruption and violence have occurred in central La Paz, particularly near government buildings. British nationals in the area are advised to stay away from demonstrations, remain indoors away from windows and balconies, avoid road travel especially at night, keep phones charged, monitor local media, and follow local authority instructions.
These advisories underscore the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions when traveling to affected regions.
