West Africa – Ebola Containment Causes Major Disruptions

Local and international health agencies are working to contain an ongoing Ebola virus outbreak affecting several countries in West Africa, particularly in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Efforts to halt the spread of Ebola have resulted in critical commercial and transport disruptions in all three countries until the situation improves. Some towns are quarantined and highways blocked. Ebola-affected countries face significant air travel disruptions over the coming weeks with regional or international carriers suspending service with little advance notice. Expect increased health screenings if traveling from any of the Ebola-affected counties. Disruptions in government services could lead to delays in processing official documents required to travel or conduct business operations in all three countries. Restrictions on large public gatherings, marches, and demonstrations have also been imposed to prevent the potential spread of the deadly virus in major population centers.