CDC Downgrades Travel Notice for Ebola in Liberia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has downgraded the travel notice for Ebola in Liberia to an Alert, Level 2, which means that CDC no longer recommends U.S. residents avoid nonessential travel to Liberia.

However, CDC does recommend that U.S. residents practice enhanced precautions when traveling to Liberia. Anyone traveling to Liberia should consider travel health insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation. Information about medical evacuation services can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website on the Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers page. Getting medical care in Liberia can be difficult, and certain travelers, such as senior citizens, people with underlying illnesses, and people with weakened immune systems, should consider postponing travel. CDC also recommends taking steps to protect against other health risks in Liberia. See Health Information for Travelers to Liberia to learn more about ways to stay healthy and safe during travel.

All air travelers entering the United States who have been in Liberia in the last 21 days will continue being routed through five U.S. airports (New York’s JFK International, Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, and Atlanta) for enhanced entry screening. This change to the Travel Notice Level does not change any of the screening and monitoring requirements for travelers from Liberia. There are currently no known cases of Ebola in Liberia and as of April 18, 2015, contacts of the last Ebola patient have completed their 21-day monitoring period and are no longer at risk for Ebola. The World Health Organization is responsible for determining when Liberia will be declared free of Ebola virus transmission.

Based on the current situation in Liberia, the risk of exposure to Ebola is low. CDC is closely monitoring the situation and will update information and advice for travelers as needed.

Source: CDC