Zambia has activated full health screening measures at all entry points bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo following an Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring country.
The World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international and continental concern.
According to Zambia National Public Health Institute Assistant Director for Preparedness and Response Naeem Dalal, Zambia has received official communication regarding the Ebola virus disease outbreak affecting the DRC.
Dr. Dalal said the current strain differs from previous outbreaks and that there is currently no vaccine or known treatment available, making prevention and surveillance critical.
He explained that Northern Province, Luapula Province and North-Western Province, which share borders with the DRC, have activated full public health screening procedures at ports of entry.
The measures include health questionnaires, temperature screening and infection prevention controls.
Dr. Dalal further disclosed that public health emergency response centres have been activated in six provinces namely Northern, Luapula, North-Western, Lusaka, Southern and Copperbelt provinces to monitor suspected cases.
He urged members of the public to maintain proper hygiene, monitor their health status and rely on verified information from ZNPHI and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.
Dr. Dalal also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and sensational reports on social media.
Very wise move indeed