KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging the public to reconsider travel plans and avoid visiting or transiting through countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.

The advisory comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

While the WHO has assessed the risk as high within the African region but low globally, the ministry said it has strengthened health surveillance measures at the nation’s ports of entry.

Jamaicans and other travellers arriving in Jamaica who show no symptoms but have visited or passed through affected countries within the past 21 days will be required to self-quarantine under the supervision of the health department, the ministry said.

It added that individuals displaying symptoms will be treated as suspected cases and placed in isolation.

The ministry also urged the public to seek updates and guidance on the Ebola outbreak and other health issues from official and authorised sources.