Author: Sebit Woodman | Published: 15 hours ago
People in protective clothing lower the coffin of an Ebola victim into a grave in Bunia, Ituri province, on Tuesday. Photograph: Dieudonne Dirole/AP
The Minister of Health in Western Equatoria State says dozens of Congolese nationals and South Sudanese refugees have crossed into Ibba County after reportedly fleeing ebola outbreak in the neighbouring country.
Minister Nama Edward Bukulu says about 56 Congolese nationals and an unidentified number of South Sudanese reportedly entered the Nabanga area of Ibba County, seeking safety after leaving DRC over fears of Ebola Virus Disease.
Ibba County borders Haut-Uele Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the South Sudan.
According to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, cases of the Bundibugyo ebola virus have been Haut-Uele.
Minister Nama says the exact number of new arrivals has not yet been independently confirmed by Ibba County authorities.
“The confirmed number that has entered to Ibba is not yet confirmed by the Commissioner. They are 56 in number. The message is that they have the fear of EVD, that is now affecting our side, the bordering side,”
Following the reports, health authorities have established two screening centres along the border routes between Western Equatoria and the DRC, including areas around Gangura, Mediapai and Nabanga.
Surveillance teams have also been deployed across counties and bomas to respond to any suspected cases.
Meanwhile, Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela Hussein has called for calm, saying there is no need for panic as health teams have been deployed to screen the new arrivals.
He urged the public and media to rely on official information from his office rather than preliminary information circulating about the alleged arrival of Congolese nationals.
The commissioner also urged residents to follow preventive measures and immediately report anyone showing possible Ebola symptoms.
Minister Nama says communities can contact the rapid response teams through the emergency number 66 for suspected cases.
He also cautioned residents against unnecessary physical greetings as part of efforts to reduce the risk of transmission.
“Ebola is not having passports; Ebola is not having even birth certificates. It kills anyone, even doctors are being killed by Ebola. So, everyone has to take the measures that are given to them,” he appealed.
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