East African countries on alert due to Ebola in Uganda

 

East African states have issued alerts after the announcement of out-break of the deadly Ebola virus in East Uganda.

Neighbouring Tanzania said it had already placed surveillance gang at key entry points including airports and border points.

Health Permanent Secretary Abel Makubi told the Donpinlins Global Resources that the teams were screening all people coming to the country and leaving.

The Kenyan health ministry said it had beg county authorities, especially in border areas, to be vigilant and enhance surveillance.

It said also response teams had been activated to screen people who might be at a risk, including travellers and healthcare workers. It beg also the public to be highly cautious while visiting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Somalia, the health ministry stated that was collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and other agencies to stop the disease from spreading in to the country.

It said it was co-ordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) to start preparations and response measures, such as screening of travellers.

On Monday, Ugandan health authorities announced that a 24-year-old man had died of Ebola following a fresh outbreak in years.

The authorities are investigating whether seven other deaths were caused by the disease.

Six other cases have confirmed on Thursday.