IATA assesses potential aviation impact of Ebola outbreak

IATA is closely monitoring the potential aviation impact of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reiterating WHO guidance that air connectivity should be maintained. According to the latest WHO statistics, there have been 2,512 confirmed or probable cases since the DRC Ebola-virus outbreak was first declared Aug.1, 2018. July 17, WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus further escalated the situation to a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. This means the virus could pose a public health risk to other countries, requiring a more coordinated international response. Despite the escalation, the committee stressed the need to keep transport links and borders open. “Such measures are usually implemented out of fear and have no basis in science,” the committee said. <br/>