Efforts are under way to ensure Bermuda is prepared to handle any potential outbreak of Ebola.

The emergency services have met with key Government departments to discuss the spread of the virus in West Africa, and possible prevention and response measures should there be cases on the Island.

Involved in the talks are the Ministry of Health, Seniors and the Environment, the chief medical officer, officials from the Bermuda Hospitals Board emergency department, and the fire and police services.

Representatives from the Department of Airport Operations, Civil Aviation, shipping agents Meyer Group, the Pilot Service, and Customs and Immigration are also being included.

The operational management of public health emergencies was discussed at a meeting on Friday, and those involved pledged to advance Bermuda’s preparedness for “all hazards”.

Further meetings are planned to ensure the Island is ready for a broad range of health threats.

A CITV presentation about Ebola preparedness is due to air in the coming week.

The Ebola outbreak was deemed an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation on August 8.

Every country has been urged to educate the public about reducing their risk of infection and to identify, contain and manage any suspected cases.

The Health Ministry said it was communicating closely with international and regional public health advisors.

A spokesman said there were no bans on international trade and travel but that people should avoid non-essential trips to areas where Ebola is rife, such as Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

“Ebola virus is not spread through the air but through contact with blood and other body fluids such as urine, saliva, and semen of infected people,” he said. “The risk from casual contact, such as shaking hands or sitting next to someone who is not displaying symptoms of illness, is likely to be very low according to our regional health authority, the Caribbean Public Health Agency.”

Those who must travel to high-risk areas are encouraged to practice careful hygiene and avoid contact with the blood and bodily fluids of ill people. Avoid funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body of an Ebola victim, and avoid contact with animals — such as primates, rodents, bats and livestock — and raw meat. Travellers should not eat primates or bush meat.

The Health Ministry advises that if you do feel ill after travelling to an Ebola-affected country, you should delay further journeys until you have been cleared to travel by a doctor or public health authority.

Seek medical care immediately if you develop a fever, headache, aches, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes up to 21 days after your return.

Tell the doctor about your recent travel and symptoms before you go to the office or emergency room, as advance notice will help medical staff care for you and protect other people who may be in the office.

The spokesman said regular updates about Ebola would be posted on the Government’s website, www.health.gov.bm, and its Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health confirmed it was looking into a suspected case of the Chikungunya virus in Bermuda.

“The Department of Health is investigating a case of undifferentiated fever in a person with a history of travel to regions in which Chikungunya is present,” a spokesman said.

“In accordance with recommendations from international agencies such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency, control measures to prevent potential spread of mosquito-borne illness were implemented, including a referral to vector control.

“The person was advised to avoid mosquito bites and given advice on mosquito source reduction around the home.

“We would like to reiterate that in relation to Chikungunya, this would be considered a suspected case. Chikungunya and other possible illnesses have not been confirmed.”