Hong Kong raises Ebola preparedness to 'Alert' level; Philippine consulate issues urgent travel advisory

An Advisory issued from Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong | Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong / Facebook

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has activated the Alert Response Level under its Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. In tandem with the announcement, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong released an urgent health advisory strongly advising the Filipino community to avoid all non-essential travel to Ebola-affected nations.

The precautionary measures follow a declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) designating the rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Local health officials emphasize that no local or confirmed cases of Ebola have been recorded in Hong Kong. The immediate public health threat to the city's population remains low.

Precautionary Screenings and Regional Travel Restrictions

The active preventative steps taken by the government and diplomatic corps include:

Airport Passenger Screenings: The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has deployed staff to step up health screening protocols for inbound travelers arriving on flights from Africa.

Travel History Declarations: The Department of Health is broadcasting airport announcements urging passengers who have visited the DRC or Uganda within the past 21 days to proactively declare their travel history.

Red Outbound Travel Alert: Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has formally issued a Red Outbound Travel Alert for the DRC, signifying a high risk of outward virus transmission from the region.

Quarantine Preparation: Authorities have readied the Penny’s Bay community isolation facility on Lantau Island for potential quarantine orders should suspected cases occur.

International Danger and Virus Profile

The current Central African epidemic is primarily driven by the Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare strain of the Ebola virus genus. The WHO has cautioned that the actual scale of the outbreak is likely larger than currently detected, presenting a high risk of regional spread due to a complete lack of specific therapeutics or vaccines for this particular strain. Historically, case fatality rates from past Ebola outbreaks have ranged anywhere from 25% to 90%, averaging roughly 50%.

READ MORE: 'OUTPACING US': EBOLA OUTBREAK IN DR CONGO SURPASSES 900 CASES AS LACK OF VACCINE AND COMMUNITY MISTRUST FUEL RAPID SPREAD

Guidance for the Overseas Filipino Community

The Philippine Consulate General reiterated health advisory tips for citizens residing in or traveling through Hong Kong to prevent transmission:

Sanitation: Wash hands frequently with liquid soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer before touching the face.

Avoid Fluid Contact: Stay clear of individuals exhibiting a fever, and strictly avoid contact with anyone's blood or bodily fluids.

Wildlife Warning: Avoid all contact with wild animals, specifically known hosts such as fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelopes, and porcupines.

Dietary Precautions: Ensure all meat and food products are thoroughly and completely cooked prior to consumption.