Riyadh:Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of travel and entry from Kenya due to concerns over the Ebola virus. This decision is part of a series of precautionary measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, which were reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the measures include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya and stopping the issuance of all types of visas to travelers from the East African country. Additionally, the kingdom will prohibit entry to travelers arriving from Kenya, including those who have stayed in Kenya or other Ebola-affected countries within the 21 days prior to their arrival.

These restrictions are part of preventive measures that were initially introduced in 2019 and strengthened in May this year for travelers from countries at risk of Ebola outbreaks. In June, Saudi Arabia had already suspended travel and entry from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Furthermore, the kingdom has enhanced its preventive measures for arrivals from countries neighboring Ebola-affected areas. This includes screening at entry points, conducting epidemiological investigations, and implementing early health response mechanisms. The Saudi Public Health Authority, also known as Weqaya, has assured that the public health situation in the country remains reassuring and is under continuous monitoring. Authorities are closely following epidemiological developments both regionally and internationally and are coordinating with relevant agencies to implement necessary preventive measures.

Ebola, a severe viral disease, spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, causing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.