Mauritania bans entry of citizens from Ebola-hit states

NOUAKCHOTT (AA) – Mauritanian authorities on Sunday decided to deny entry to citizens from African countries hit by the deadly Ebola virus to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. In a statement, the Health Ministry said the decision applies to the citizens of Liberia and Seirra Leone. Mauritanian health authorities have stepped up health measures at border crossings. Ebola is a contagious disease for which there is no known treatment or cure. The virus can be transmitted to humans from wild animals and also spreads through contact with the body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died of the disease. The Word Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to be an "international public health emergency" as the virus continues to spread through the region.
The virus has killed hundreds of people in West Africa, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has confirmed two Ebola fatalities, including a visiting Liberian man. Benin has also reported two Ebola fatalities, including a man returning from the Nigerian city of Lagos.
By Sidi Ould Abdel-Malek