The Government has begun screening travellers arriving in the Maldives from regions affected by Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks, despite the risk of the diseases entering the country being considered low.

Speaking on “Presser with the Spox”, Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said authorities are conducting screening measures at airports for travellers arriving from affected regions.

He stated that although the likelihood of the diseases reaching the Maldives remains minimal, precautionary measures had already been put in place in response to the spread of the outbreaks internationally.

“The risk is low, but work is being carried out on alert. Screening is being conducted for people entering the country, especially those arriving through airports, with attention being given to both diseases,” Shareef said.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it is closely monitoring developments related to the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda, as well as cases of Hantavirus detected on a cruise ship that travelled in the South American region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified both Ebola and Hantavirus as public health concerns, while the HPA stated that authorities are continuing to closely observe the evolving situation.

The HPA also noted that the possibility of the diseases reaching the Maldives remains low. However, as a precautionary measure, the agency has advised the public to avoid non-essential travel to regions where the diseases are currently spreading.