Ebola
Cases of Ebola have recently been reported in certain regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and in Uganda. Ebola is a rare but serious disease caused by a group of viruses.
According to the Federal Public Service for Public Health, the risk of an Ebola outbreak in Belgium is very low.
As an airport operator, we are in constant consultation with the FPS Public Health, Brussels Airlines and all relevant government departments, and we are keeping prevention advisers and social partners informed.
The Q&A below is intended to provide answers to frequently asked questions. The questions have been answered with input from Saniport / FPS Public Health.
Ebola is a rare but serious disease caused by a group of viruses. Cases of the Ebola virus have recently been reported in certain regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and in Uganda.
According to the Federal Public Service for Public Health, the risk of an Ebola outbreak in Belgium is very low.
The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus. It spreads through close and direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected animal or person.
You can only become infected when a person is ill and showing symptoms. At the early stage of illness, the risk of transmission is still relatively low.
As the airport operator, we are in close consultation with the FPS Public Health, Brussels Airlines and all relevant government departments regarding this matter. The situation is closely monitored, and arrangements are being made with all prevention advisers within the airport community and with the social partners to keep everyone informed.
The relevant government departments are closely monitoring the situation and continuously assessing the risk. The risk of an epidemic in Belgium is considered to be very low. The current focus is on raising awareness and providing information to passengers travelling to and from high-risk countries, with the information below. This information is also displayed at the airport, among other places.
No further measures have been put in place, neither in general nor at airports. A standard procedure exists for reporting a potential risk involving a passenger with a contagious disease on a flight or at the airport, led by Saniport and the other relevant authorities.
Ebola is not transmitted through the air or through casual contact, but only through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or via contaminated surfaces. It is also not considered transmissible before symptoms appear.
Upon arrival of a flight from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, the Saniport team is present to support disembarkation procedures. Any suspected cases are immediately assessed by the airport doctor, who will contact the regional health authorities if necessary.
Saniport determines which passengers require screening and coordinates the follow-up of the assessment in cooperation with the competent federal and regional health authorities.
If a case is confirmed, contact tracing is carried out by the regional health authorities, who determine which contacts need to be followed up and what measures are required.
When contact tracing is necessary, Saniport and the competent regional health authority will request the passenger and crew lists of the relevant flight. These lists must be retained for at least 11 days, and preferably up to 30 days.
It is important to note that the impact of this outbreak on public health in the EU/EEA is assessed as low to very low.
Saniport’s operational contact number at Brussels Airport is: +32 475 44 00 53.
At present, there is no specific government procedure for handling luggage, as the transmission of Ebola via luggage has never been described in the medical literature.
However, standard protective measures (as set out by the occupational health physician) must always be followed to protect staff.
Ebola is not transmitted through the air or through casual contact, but only through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or via contaminated surfaces. Infected people can only spread Ebola once they start showing symptoms.
In line with WHO and ECDC guidelines, the government’s current focus is on increased vigilance, providing information and raising awareness among travellers through leaflets and information banners. Additional measures, such as the general use of personal protective equipment, are not currently recommended.
The government is not currently recommending any additional personal protective equipment. As always, standard measures (as set out by the occupational health doctor) must be followed to protect staff.
Ebola is not transmitted through the air or through casual contact, but only through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or via contaminated surfaces. Infected people can only spread Ebola once they start showing symptoms.
Should additional protective equipment be recommended, it is the responsibility of each company at the airport to provide this for their staff through their own health and safety department.
Please consult the information page of the FPS Public Health.