Chipata prepares for Ebola

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Ebola outbreak in W. Africa
Ebola outbreak in W. Africa

August  22, 2014, ZANIS… Government has identified an isolation area where anticipated Ebola patients will be quarantined incase of an outbreak in Chipata district in the Eastern province.

Chipata District Commissioner Kalunga Zulu said the isolation area is near Mwami border but noted that it will only be confirmed after conclusive consultations with Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) .

Mr Zulu said during a press briefing that government is making strategic preparationS incase the deadly Ebola virus which has killed over 1000 people in West Africa hits the district.

And Eastern Province Centre for Disease Control Specialist Jairos Mulambya said the immigration office is placing measures that every person crossing the border be screened by health specialists who will have to wear protective kits and that this shall also apply to illegal immigrants when they are arrested.

He added that the screening process shall not require getting in direct contact with the potential carriers as a Thermo scanner will be used.

He further stated that patrols which comprise the Drug Enforcement Commission, Zambia Revenue Authority , Immigration  and the police officers will be intensified in the district and that they will be accompanied by at least a medical personnel .

Dr. Mulambya has also called on the community and stakeholders help in the fight against the disease which might strike Zambia if the necessary precautions are not taken seriously.

Meanwhile, Chipata General Hospital medical Superintend Daniel Makawa said the hospital has already started receiving medical equipment for the Ebola Virus.

Dr. Makawa the hospital has received 10 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  which are vital when handling cases of the Ebola Virus adding that a task force has been formed in preparedness of the deadly disease.

He said the task force has already stated going in different communities to sensitize the people on the dangers of the pandemic and how to avoid it.

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