Monday, August 13, 2012
In recent weeks, the epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever is rife in Uganda in the District of Kibari where 60 cases and 16 deaths were already registered. In 60 cases, there are three health professionals including one death.
Because the district Kibari in which the epidemic is raging in the neighboring district of Aru in the DRC, the Congolese authorities to turn this disease do not cross borders. The Ministry of Public Health, a crisis meeting was held on Tuesday bringing together partners including WHO and MSF, the fourth branch of the Ministry of Health responsible for the fight against disease and INRB.During the meeting chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi, the issue was not only to analyze the situation on land but also to develop strategies to strengthen surveillance at borders for this epidemic does not spread in the DRC.
"It is important that we can meet in the crisis committee to evaluate, analyze and take action in relation to the protection of the population. That is why it is important that we hold this meeting epidemiological surveillance at the end of what we have taken a package of measures ..., "said Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi.
To protect the Congolese population that is mostly in border district of Uganda Kibari against this epidemic, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi called the people to be more vigilant. "We want to inform the Congolese population especially that of the province of North Kivu and Eastern Province to increase their level of vigilance against this epidemic that has ravaged Uganda. Especially when people are faced with a fever accompanied by abnormal bleeding and also explained the case of animals found dead in the forest. "
Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi also insisted on strengthening awareness. We decided, he says, to strengthen surveillance measures, awareness and community mobilization at the borders including the axis Beni-Butembo in the province of North Kivu and more at territory Aru, Dungu and Isiro in the eastern province
In addition to educating the community, the Minister of Public Health states that a joint team of Department of Public Health, WHO and MSF has been mobilized to make a descent in these border areas with sampling equipment for suspected cases but also with protective equipment
While stressing that these meetings be held regularly epidemiological surveillance to assess the situation on ground, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi invited the medical staff to use all use universal precautions from now to all fever cases that would result in the hospital. "
The observance of hygiene rules is needed
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a serious disease and short incubation period, it is advised people to observe basic hygiene rules for individual and collective self-preservation. It is advisable to wash hands with soap before preparing food, before eating and after using the latrine; boil water or disinfect with a solution chorea, eat only hot food and goods covered .
It is also advisable not to defecate near water sources, not to organize the funeral of a patient who died of Ebola hemorrhagic fever or touch his body.
Ebola is characterized by headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain loss of appetite.
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