SUVA, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's health ministry is urging the public to avoid non-essential travel to several central African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and Kenya, following the recent Ebola outbreak in the region.

Health officials are working with partner agencies at international points of entry, including Nadi International Airport, to implement targeted screening and follow-up measures for travelers arriving from affected countries, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

The ministry said Fiji's risk from the outbreak remains low, but preparedness measures are being strengthened following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern for Ebola disease in the DRC and Uganda last week.

The health ministry said anyone traveling to affected areas should avoid contact with sick individuals and animals in forested areas, avoid consuming bush meat, and practice good hygiene.

It also advised travelers to monitor themselves for symptoms including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and unexplained bleeding or bruising, for 21 days after leaving affected countries.

Individuals with developing symptoms during the monitoring period should immediately self-isolate and contact the nearest health facility by phone for advice, the ministry added. ■