Ler: We are the third filter and the possibility of Ebola entering BiH is low

Media in Republika Srpska reported that one person in FBiH voluntarily came forward due to suspicion of Ebola virus infection, but it was determined that they did not fall into the category of persons under health surveillance, reports the Patria News Agency.

However, the Public Health Institute of FBiH has no such information, as confirmed to Patria by Željko Ler, director of the Public Health Institute of FBiH.

- I can reliably tell you that we do not have such information. And we would have to have it through the established channels and algorithms by which it reaches us – Ler told Patria.

He further added that protective measures against the Ebola virus are actively implemented in cooperation with the Public Health Institute of FBiH, the BiH Border Service, and inspection and epidemiological services.

- We are the third filter for persons coming from countries where Ebola is present. Of course, all persons coming from West African countries are placed under epidemiological surveillance if the survey shows that the person has been exposed, and that person goes under health surveillance; if any symptoms appear within 21 days, they are isolated and treated – Ler explained, adding that they still believe the possibility of the Ebola virus being introduced is very low, but that they cannot say with 100% certainty that it is impossible for the virus to reach our country.

A set of recommendations concerning passengers in international traffic, officials controlling entries of persons from neighboring countries, and healthcare workers has been delivered to all border crossings, health, and other relevant institutions.