The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the “outbreak” is of ‘significant concern’.
“The Ebola virus causes EVD in humans, with a fatality rate of up to 90 per cent,” the bulletin reads on the DFAT website.
“The symptoms of EVD are severe and can include high fever, muscle pain and weakness, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and internal and external bleeding. There is no known vaccine or cure for Ebola. The virus can be transmitted to humans from wild animals or between humans through bodily fluids, including blood, faeces and sweat. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with the body of a deceased Ebola patient. Where possible, Australians should avoid travel to areas affected by Ebola virus.”
More than 670 deaths have been recorded while there have been 1201 confirmed cases in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Two Americans have contracted the virus.
In addition, the Ministry of Health in Nigeria has reported their first case and subsequent death on Friday. The case was a Liberian national who travelled to Lagos, Nigeria via Tomé, Togo.
