Isolation ward set up to handle ebola cases

By NNN-KBC

Nairobi : A new system of self-examination for any Ebola symptoms to those suspecting to have acquired the virus following the Ebola outbreak in western Uganda has been introduced in the country.


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The ministry of health has also set up an isolation ward at the Kenyatta National Hospital ready to handle any suspected cases.

A new system for examining any Ebola symptoms is also in place.

This follows the death of 28 people from the 130 Ebola victims in western Uganda, although reports indicate that the Ugandan government has contained the Ebola outbreak at the western part of the country.

This is after the Kenya Medical Research Institute -Kemri was mandated ato be the sole recipient of samples of any suspected cases of Ebola.

Director of Medical Services Dr James Nyikal said that Kemri has the capacity to diagnose any form of haemorrhagic fever including the dreaded Ebola.

In a statement to media houses, Nyikal said the government has reactivated its surveillance systems countrywide to detect and respond to any possible threat.

A rapid response team was also established at the Ministry headquarters to support any districts that might report suspected cases of Ebola.

Nyikal however maintained that the public are free to travel to and from Uganda.

Over 350 people in Bundibugyo and Kasese districts of Uganda who had contact with Ebola victims have been quarantined in their homes for monitoring.

Since August when the killer disease broke out, ninety-three people have been infected while 24 have already succumbed to the deadly fever.

Nyikal advised those traveling to Uganda to ensure that they avoid any contact with Ebola patients or their body fluids, including needles or medical waste.

They should also avoid contact with wild animals or consuming bush meat.

They should report to the nearest health facility any person with symptoms suggestive of malaria or typhoid if they have visited the Western parts of Uganda or the DRC.

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