African countries have heightened surveillance against the deadly Ebola virus following reports of a fresh outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Four people are thought to have died from the virus in the DR Congo, with the number of cases reported being 37.
In response, Rwanda has set up temperature screening spots in along its border with the DR Congo, where anyone entering the country will have to be checked for symptoms.
Uganda on the other hand has reactivated its National Health Task Force, with health workers in the country’s western border districts put on alert to monitor people coming in from DR Congo.
“We have written to all District Health Officers to increase on surveillance, raise public awareness and alert the people about the Ebola outbreak” Xinhua reports Sarah Opendi, Uganda’s health minister to say.
In Ghana, health services on Friday issued an alert on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), calling on regional directors to enhance their preparedness.
A statement issued by Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), asked the directors to strengthen their surveillance for early detection and response, update preparedness and response plans in districts and regions and ensure the availability of holding places.
Kenya’s Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health Jackson Kioko said the government has reactivated the rapid response teams for enhanced surveillance and follow up of travellers with elevated body temperatures and asymptomatic cases with history of travel from DR Congo.
Neighbouring Tanzania dispatched a team of medical experts to six regions in an effort to improve detection and information systems against outbreak of Ebola.
Other countries have also taken measures against the Ebola virus including Zambia and Nigeria.
The Ebola virus causes fever, bleeding, vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through bodily fluids and can kill more than 50 percent of its victims.
