South Sudan has stepped up surveillance at entry points following reports of Marburg virus infections in Uganda and the ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
One person was reportedly killed by the disease Marburg in Kampala and another 99 people who had contact with the victim are still under surveillance, according to the Ugandan health authorities.
In a Wednesday press briefing, the National Health Minister Dr. Riek Gai Kok said although no cases of either Marburg and Ebola have been reported in South Sudan, the two outbreaks are of concern in the country.
Gai further said a multi-sector Ebola preparedness and response taskforce had been recently established. Yet he ruled out closure of the border with Uganda.
The official also pointed out that isolation centres have already been set up along the country’s borders and at Juba Airport to check those who come from West Africa in particular.
He added that medical doctors were trained in order handle any potential outbreak.
Related:
Uganda moves to contain Ebola-like disease in capital (8 Oct.)