There should be no general ban on travel or trade with countries reeling from the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, independent health advisers to the World Health Organisation (WHO) have assessed.

Some airlines have stopped flights to affected areas and WHOand other agencies have said on Monday that this has hampered aid efforts andthe ability of experts to reach victims of the world's worstever outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever.

In a statement issued bythe UN agency,after the Emergency Committee held itssecond meeting last week, the WHO said Ebola had now killed atleast 2,793 people in five countries and remains a "publichealth emergency of international concern".

"Flight cancellations and other travel restrictions continueto isolate affected countries, resulting in detrimental economicconsequences, and hinder relief and response efforts riskingfurther international spread," the statement said.

"The Committee strongly reiterated that there should be nogeneral ban on international travel or trade..."

The experts urged authorities in the affected countries -Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone - to workwith the aviation and maritime sectors to resolve differencesand "develop a coordinated response" to transport issues.

Quarantines still necessary

Quarantines may be deemed necessary in areas of intense andwidespread transmission of the deadly Ebola virus, the committeestatement went on.

"States should ensure that they are proportionate andevidence-based and that accurate information, essential services and commodities, including food and water, are provided to theaffected populations."

WHO advisers earlier recommended the screening of travellersdeparting Ebola-affected countries from airports and ports.

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Experts advise against Ebola travel ban