The world is facing the largest outbreak of the deadly Ebola illness since the virus causing it was first discovered in 1976. It is unprecedented in the number of cases (over 1,800 with more than 1,000 deaths) and geographic scope (four countries are affected in West Africa - Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria). The outbreak continues to spread. The governments of countries affected have implemented a number of progressive measures meant to control the spread of the disease. Those providing care on the ground are stretched to the limit. The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern". In view of this one would assume there are some clear implications for business travelers planning to visit the West African region and elsewhere in Africa. This assumption is correct, for several reasons.

First, there is the obvious risk of contracting the disease. However, if risky activities are avoided the risk to travelers continues to be low. The illness is spread by close and unprotected contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, with objects that are soiled with these fluids, or through contact with infected animals or the consumption of their meat. If these risky activities are avoided, and if the travelers exercise strict hygiene by washing their hands and avoiding touching people's faces, the risk of contracting the illness is low.

Second, the situation on the ground is volatile and rapidly evolving. The World Health Organization has called the situation precarious, and now, in addition to the health risks, there are security and safety concerns. There is a lack of understanding among the population and distrust of those trying to help. This can lead to civil unrest. Additionally, the police, army and other government bodies have to provide support to try to contain the spread of the illness.

Third, some of the progressive actions instituted by the governments of the affected countries involve screening at airports and land border crossings, and in some countries border crossings have been closed. Additionally, some airlines, both regional and global, have suspended flights to affected countries. This can all lead to significant delays for business travelers; in fact, they face the potential threat of being immobilized in the West African region.

Fourth, if a business traveler develops a non-Ebola illness while in an affected country, especially if it shares symptoms in common with Ebola (such as fever, sore throats, headaches, muscle aches), or if they were to receive injuries in an accident, there are limited health facilities to care for them. Indeed, the traveler may be isolated or quarantined, perhaps in a facility that is actively caring for Ebola patients. When local facilities cannot manage a particular illness, evacuation to a center of medical excellence is often considered. However at present, the ability to move patients across international borders is extremely challenging, and may not be possible.

For these reasons, it is strongly advised that travelers defer all non-essential trips to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. For other countries in Africa, travelers should monitor this rapidly developing situation, and ensure they take common-sense precautions namely: avoid direct physical contact with sick people and their body fluids, avoid funerals, don't eat bush meat, and maintain strict hygiene standards.

Organizations are also encouraged to review their preparations and know how they will implement their own travel restrictions, remove non-essential staff or respond to a sick traveler returning from an affected area.

Business travel is a reality in today's globalized word. Ebola is a deadly illness which is exacting an unprecedented human toll in the West African region. Organizations should mitigate the risk of this outbreak on their travelers and their operations. They can also respond directly to the human tragedy by investigating options to support organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres and local health facilities. Many need donations of money, equipment and expertise.

The author is regional medical director for corporate solutions (Asia) of International SOS.

(HK Edition 08/18/2014 page9)