Twenty four cases of Ebola recorded in DRC worry govt

The Zambian Government has expressed worry at the reported 24 cases of the Ebola virus that have been so far recorded in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya says government’s worry is in view of the fact that Zambia shares the same boarders DRC.
Speaking when he received a donation of Ebola preparedness supplies from World Health Organization (WHO) in Lusaka today, Dr. Chilufya says government will however strengthen surveillance system at Kasumbalesa boarder post to prevent any possible outbreak of the deadly virus in the country.

Dr. Chilufya says the Zambian government is also aware that Ebola has now become Africa’s huge health threat which requires concerted efforts and stronger partnerships among countries in combating the incurable virus.

He says it is for this reason that government has deployed health workers in different entry points of the country in a bid to prevent the outbreak of the virus.

The Health Deputy Minister has also emphasized that government has not banned movements of people from Ebola affected countries.

Speaking at the same event, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Jean Marie Dangou says the latest statistics on Ebola indicate that a total of 240 health workers have developed the disease in the four countries and 120 have since died.

Dr. Dangou notes that though there is no case of Ebola virus in Zambia, it is critical to put in place necessary preventive and response measures to protect the general populace and the health workers.
The US$50, 000 worthy supplies donated by WHO to government include: 290 complete PPE Kit, 24 Extra PPE Coveralls, 45 Extra PPE Trousers, 130 1.5 hand sprayers, 65 15 liters back sprayers, 500 face shields, 1, 000 Biohazard bags among others.