Health situation stable in Kuwait; travel warning issued

KUWAIT CITY, May 21: Official spokesperson of the Health Ministry Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad on Thursday confirmed that efforts to implement preventive and precautionary measures at the borders have been intensified due to the Ebola outbreak in several African countries, even if no cases have so far been recorded in Kuwait. In a press statement, Al-Sanad disclosed that health monitoring and surveillance procedures for arriving passengers have been activated and intensified, such as the preventive assessment procedures at the entry points and the use of thermal screening systems in accordance with the health regulations.

He underscored the need to avoid traveling to these countries -- Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo -- as a precautionary measure. He stressed that the health situation in the country is stable, while affirming the ongoing coordination, monitoring and tracking of epidemiological developments. He also confirmed the readiness of public health teams and rapid response units to deal with new developments. He called on the public to obtain information only from official sources and strictly comply with preventive health guidelines like maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding contact with suspected cases, and seeking medical advice once symptoms emerge after traveling.