Implementation of border health and international travel-related temporary recommendations issued by the Director-General of WHO to States Parties not sharing land borders with areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection

Overview

This technical note outlines considerations for implementing border health and international travel-related temporary recommendations issued by the Director-General of WHO following the declaration of the Ebola disease epidemic caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (2005). The document is intended for States Parties not sharing land borders with areas reporting documented BDBV detection and provides operational guidance for public health authorities, points of entry (PoE), conveyance operators and other stakeholders. It describes the epidemiological context of the epidemic, modes of transmission, current risk assessment and the absence of licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics for BDBV.

The document presents key measures to support preparedness and response at points of entry, including provision of travel advice, development of contingency plans and standard operating procedures, staff training, infection prevention and control measures, management of suspected cases and identification and follow-up of contacts associated with international travel. It also addresses communication and coordination requirements between health authorities and transport sectors, environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures, and the use of traveller public health forms where appropriate.