EDMONTON - The federal government wants Canadians who live in three countries in West Africa where the Ebola virus is raging to consider leaving now.
Health Minister Rona Ambrose said Friday the updated travel advisory is aimed at 216 Canadians who live in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
"Today we are asking Canadians living in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to consider leaving by commercial means while they are still available," she said in Edmonton.
The World Health Organization says these countries face ongoing outbreaks of Ebola and more cases of the deadly disease can be expected.
Ambrose said airline passengers who come from the region will be asked to see a quarantine officer when clearing customs if they're feeling sick.
"If they are coming in from one of the affected countries, we would like them to answer specific questions and be referred to a quarantine officer for a health assessment, should it be needed," she said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to these countries.
The agency warns the risk of infection is low for most travellers, but the risk may be increased for those who are work in a health-care setting or for travellers who require medical care in affected areas.
The World Health Organization reports the Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000 people.
