Red Cross terms travel bans on people coming from Ebola-hit nations 'irrational'

Terming the enforcement of travel bans on people coming from Ebola-stricken countries "irrational," the Red Cross has reportedly said that the measure, borne out of "fear and panic," would not curb the outbreak.

While addressing a press conference yesterday, Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said that travel bans are not solutions and urged the international community to jointly control the disease at their "epicenter," right where they start, reported The Verge.

He urged the world to raise funds and provide treatment to those infected with Ebola and added that if it can be done then the epidemic will be curbed within six months.

The statement came as several politicians in the United States demanded travel bans on people coming from Ebola-hit countries. At present, travelers coming from such countries are required to enter the U.S. through one of the five airports where they can undergo enhanced screening procedures.

Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are the three worst-hit African nations which have reported majority of Ebola cases. A total of 9,200 have been infected and more than 4,500 have been killed.