MoH shares tips on preventing Ebola
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has provided tips to Malawians on how they can prevent getting infected with Ebola.
This follows a reported Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in an area close to the border with Central African Republic (CAR). Three people have already died from the outbreak with 11 cases reported so far.
In a press statement signed by chief of health services Charles Mwansambo, MoH has urged Malawians to take good care of themselves by observing hygienic practices to avoid being infected by Ebola.
Among others, Mwansambo has advised Malawians to inform the closest health facility or the head of community if they suspect any Ebola infection.
He also encouraged personal hygiene through, among others, regular handwashing, avoiding close physical contact with Ebola patients and using appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of ill patients at home.
“Animals found dead as well as people who have died or suspected to have died of Ebola should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing and buried promptly and safely,” reads the statement in part.
Mwansambo said the ministry has stepped up surveillance mechanisms to detect any possible occurrence of the disease in the country.
Speaking earlier, MoH Principal Secretary Dan Namarika, called on the public not to panic, saying officers are already on the ground rejuvenating structures put in place during previous preventive interventions.
He said from next week, MoH will start conducting screening in all of the country’s entry points, including airports.
Namarika also assured the nation on the safety of members of Malawi Defence Force on peace-keeping mission in DRC.n
