Rogers Calls for Border Precautions: “What Measures Will Be Taken at Entry Points?”

Rogers made the remarks while appearing as a guest on the programme Gündem, broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV and presented by Ulaş Barış.

She provided an assessment of the Ebola virus, describing it as a highly dangerous disease that can be fatal. Rogers said the outbreak has been spreading undetected in Africa, adding that Ebola is not commonly encountered but has a very high mortality rate.

She noted that there is currently no vaccine for the strain in question and that testing is not easily conducted, adding that strict safety measures are required under specialised conditions. While symptoms may suggest a suspected case, she said laboratory diagnosis is difficult.

Rogers stated that there are approximately 900 reported cases and around 250 deaths according to official figures, adding that the outbreak remains uncontrolled.

Comparing Ebola with hantavirus, she said hantavirus is less transmissible and more easily contained, and therefore does not currently pose a direct concern for the country.

She reiterated that Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the regions most affected, and noted that university data indicates there are hundreds of students in the country from these regions. While she said there is currently no issue regarding students, she stressed that precautions should be taken for incoming travellers.

Rogers pointed out that the incubation period is 21 days, warning that if Ebola were to reach the country, the existing protective equipment, laboratory capacity and infrastructure would be insufficient to cope. She cited the absence of a negative-pressure laboratory in the country as an example.

She added that while doctors could identify the disease based on symptoms, the current hospital infrastructure would not be adequate to treat a confirmed case, and said she found the statements of the Infectious Diseases Committee insufficient.

Rogers also said that there is no clear plan regarding measures at border entry points, asking what would happen to travellers arriving from the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, whether everyone would be placed in 21-day quarantine, or whether entry would be restricted.

She emphasised that Ebola is not like Covid-19 and requires stricter measures, noting that viral load increases at the stage when bodily fluids are involved in transmission, which accelerates spread.

Rogers said she expects medications would likely be sourced via Turkey, adding that the process could be a difficult period.

She also noted that there are views suggesting people previously vaccinated against earlier Ebola strains may have stronger immunity, although this has not been confirmed for the new strain.