The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has prompted the United States to enact entry screening and travel restrictions. However, European health officials are taking a more measured approach.
Belgian virologist Steven Van Gucht says the risk to Europe is low. He notes that Ebola only spreads through direct contact with symptomatic patients, not through the air, and that people are only contagious once symptoms appear.
The exact transmission dynamics limit the effectiveness of temperature screening at airports. A traveler in the incubation period-which can be up to 21 days-shows no fever and passes unnoticed.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is not recommending entry screening, calling it resource-intensive with limited benefit. Exit screening in affected countries is considered more effective.
Brussels Airport has protocols to isolate and evacuate sick passengers via specialist military ambulance. Brussels Airlines continues normal operations, monitoring the situation and training crews for infectious disease safety.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with at least 131 deaths and 500 cases. The Africa CDC warns against generalized travel restrictions, which can disrupt humanitarian aid and supply chains.