By Standard Team
The Government has formed a national task force to avert a possible spread of ebola from Uganda.
Director of Public Health Dr Shahnaaz Sharrif announced the formation of the team yesterday, adding that all health workers have been put on high alert.
“The task force will monitor the situation and advise the Government. Similar committees have been formed at the border districts,” he said.
Dr Sharrif said relevant labs have been put up at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) to undertake rapid ebola tests.
“All facilities have been provided with contingency drugs and isolation facilities set up in high risk facilities,” he said. “Surveillance at the ports of entry has been strengthened and any suspected cases are being handled accordingly,” he added.
Meanwhile, 24-hour screening of visitors at Malaba and Busia border points continues. Busia County Commissioner Joyce Isiaho said the move is meant to protect citizens from the deadly disease.
In the neighbouring Teso region, a Disease Surveillance and Response Committee has been formed.
Teso North Medical Officer of Health Dr Melissa Lutomia said the team was constituted after the outbreak.
“The committee was formed as a rapid response initiative to the ebola outbreak in Uganda and we have laid all necessary strategies,” said Dr Lutomia at Busia border point.
“We are adequately prepared to stop the disease and assure Kenyans that everything is under control,” added Ms Isiaho.
Elsewhere, there was a scare in Siaya after a man suspected to have eaten meat from a goat bitten by a cobra started vomiting and bleeding from different parts of the body.
Medical personnel quarantined him and took samples that were sent to Kemri in Nairobi for analysis.
“This is not ebola. He consumed the meat of a goat bitten by a snake. He had no fever which is a symptom of ebola,” said Nyanza Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation Services Dr Jackson Kioko.
Kioko commended medical personel for the quick action. “This shows the officers are on high alert,” he told The Standard.
The Government said personal protective equipment has been sent to all health facilities in high-risk areas, and more are being bought.
“The Government is conducting sensitisation training of health workers in high-risk facilities. The training involves surveillance, case investigation, management, prevention and control,” said Dr Sharrif.
