The Department of Health today appealed for continued vigilance against the Ebola virus due to the increasing number of cases in Africa.
The World Health Organisation said, as of September 14, a total of 5,357 cases, including 2,630 deaths, had been reported in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal.
Seventy-one cases, including 40 deaths, have been reported in Equateur Province in Congo as of September 15.
The department urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected areas, adding it will monitor the situation.
The Centre for Health Protection said it has held briefings with government departments, private hospitals, and the hotel and guesthouse industry, on Ebola infection control and preparedness.
It will also hold health talks with community organisations, property management bodies and transport operators.
It has issued a set of guidelines for health professionals, the hotel industry, the public transport sector, workplace settings, property management, schools and hostels, management bodies of premises or event organisers, and public function participants.
The centre said it is liaising with the African community, District Councils, Healthy Cities projects at district level, non-governmental organisations and government bureaus and departments on the latest Ebola situation and is seeking their assistance in disseminating health information.
Health educational materials in French, Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Tagalog are available. Centre staff have visited guesthouses to deliver health advice, pamphlets and posters, followed by a health talk for guesthouse licence holders and owners' corporations.
The centre's website now has an Ebola page with disease updates, travel advice, frequently asked questions, and guidelines for various sectors.
Information on preventive measures is also being delivered through television and radio announcements and the 24-hour hotline, 2833 0111.
