Burundi Government taking measures to counter Ebola virus

Burundi Government taking
measures to counter Ebola virus

HEALTH ministry called upon travelers to avoid "close
physical contact" with local people living in endemic
areas and to avoid trips in endemic areas
.

BUJUMBURA (Xinhua) -- Following the outbreak of the Ebola viral disease in Uganda which has already killed at least 16 people, Burundi has taken measures to counter the disease by controlling all movements of people, the Burundian health ministry said on Friday.

"Training health personnel to use equipment, test and treat people infected with Ebola virus and installing medical teams at the airport of Bujumbura, at various ports and on frontiers to control all movements of people are some of the most urgent moves to be taken," the ministry said in a press release.

Bujumbura-based Prince Regent Charles Hospital has been chosen to host isolated patients attacked by Ebola.

The press release said Burundi remains free of the epidemic, but added its spread is possible due to "population mobility" in the east African region.

The ministry called upon travelers to avoid "close physical contact" with local people living in endemic areas and to avoid trips in endemic areas.

The ministry also called on people who display symptoms of Ebola to quickly consult a physician.

The population has been recommended to implement individual and collective protection measures such as wearing gloves and washing hands with soap.

The Burundian population is also recommended to avoid shaking hands and avoid sharing towels and clothes.  http://www.coastweek.com/3531_ebola_02.htm
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