International Travel Advice

An update on the global Ebola virus situation and advice for staff undertaking international travel.

The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa that commenced in March 2014 is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. To date, the virus has primarily affected Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone where the outbreak remains uncontained. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently affected by a small outbreak, there has been a single Ebola case in Spain, and as of this week there have been two cases in the United States. Senegal and Nigeria also experienced confirmed cases of Ebola infection in recent months, however the virus has been contained in these countries. There has been no confirmed case of Ebola in Australia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.  Virus symptoms include fever, muscle pain, weakness and gastrointestinal complaints. The WHO states that infection control protocols, isolation measures and regular hand washing are effective strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus.  The Australian Government Department of Health has announced that the risk to Australia remains very low, and has noted that Australia has robust border protection systems and first-rate infection control mechanisms in hospitals.

In accordance with the current warnings on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) Smart Traveller website, Murdoch University staff are urged to reconsider their need to travel to the affected West African Countries of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  All staff planning to undertake personal or official international travel to any location should always check the Smart Traveller website for the latest travel advice and information specific to their itinerary.

The University uses the Trobexis Travel Management System to enable staff and students to requisition, seek approval and record official travel arrangements. One key benefit of the system is the ability for the University to know where staff and students are in the world during situations like the above. It also allows the University the ability to provide assistance to travellers as soon as possible. Please refer to the Murdoch University Travel Policy (1502) and Travel Approval Procedure (1502b) for further information related to travel to high risk locations which are subject to the necessary approvals as well as consideration of insurance implications. If you have any questions regarding Murdoch University’s travel management or insurance procedures, please contact the Finance Office.