The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is on high alert with regard to the public concern which the Ebola virus is causing, owing to international travel.
A release from the Ministry says, the Symptoms of Ebola begin two to twenty-one days after contracting the virus, with a fever, throat and muscle pains and headaches.
Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, along with decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys. The disease is usually acquired when a person comes into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
The Ministry says while the Ebola virus could potentially be transported by travellers to other countries, the actual chance of it developing into a serious public health risk in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is small at this time, given that the cases that are being reported are from countries with no direct link to the Caribbean.
It says a risk assessment process has already been initiated in the Ministry and clinical staff are now being advised on the signs and symptoms, as well as infection control and protection measures.
The Ministry of Health, also said it has already established contact with regional and international partners, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
CARPHA has advised that it is conducting a risk assessment and will continue to advise this country if the risk level changes.
