Written by Frankline Bwire 2012-07-30 19:19:00 Read 883 Times

Busia-Uganda border. Screening of travelers has been intensified particularly for those from western Uganda. [Photo | Frankline Bwire | West Fm]

The government has put in place precautionary measures along the Busia- Uganda Border to ensure that the Ebola disease confirmed in Uganda does not spread into the County.

Busia acting District Commissioner John Maingi said they have formed a District Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee that will help in coordinating activities for surveillance and actual response.

He said the committee constituting of the Medical Officer of Health, Public Health Officer, Disease surveillance officer, Nursing staff and the Frontier health office staff are undertaking all the necessary measures to ensure the disease is prevented from spreading into the country.

“Although no case of Ebola has been reported, we are appealing to area residents especially those with relatives across the border to remain vigilant through observing on their family members on the symptoms of the disease,” said Maingi while addressing journalists in Busia.

Subsequently, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Public Health Willis Akhwale said they had instructed Provincial Directors of Health and District Medical Officers in Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley provinces to immediately report any suspicious cases.

However, the District Public Health Officer Ambrose Fwamba said they have put in place several measures including the screening of travelers particularly those from Western Uganda besides undertaking surveillance documentation.

Fwamba added that: “The provincial administration have also been charged with the role of making sure the village elders understand the symptoms of the Ebola disease which include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding to ensure they report any arising cases for immediate action to be undertaken.”

He said personnel in various health facilities of Busia County especially those neighboring Uganda, have been equipped with enough information on the steps to take if at all any case will be registered in the area.

“Much will be on public education to sensitize local residents on ways of preventing themselves from getting in contact with infected materials,” said the public health officer, adding that there is need for the public not forgetting the fish traders to understand the preventive measures.

The move follows confirmed cases of Ebola outbreak in Kibaale District, Midwestern Uganda.

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