JUBA, Oct 1 (NNN-GNA) — Health officilas in Nimule, the border town between South Sudan and Uganda are holding one person with suspected Ebola Virus symptoms.
The suspect, a South Sudanese national is said to have traveled from Morobi Camp of Moyo district to Melijo camp of Adjumani district where he spent a short time before entering South Sudan through Elegu into Nimule.
According to Nimule Hospital medical director Silvesto Nyumba, samples from the suspect who is now in isolation were taken to Juba for investigations and the results are expected on Friday.
“The man was having a cough, vomiting blood, high fever and with this, the person has to be tested and put in isolation. This is what we have done, he is isolated and his blood sample are taken to Juba yesterday and the result is not yet out,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eastern Equatoria State health minister Lodae Pasqual confirmed that the results are expected on Friday and called on the local population to minimize movement into neighboring countries until the virus is contained.
He urged the border communities to monitor and report illegal entry into the country through the porous border.
“As a government, we have also initiated the program of disease surveillance at the border point all along the Magwi corridor, the Ikwoto corridor, and the Budi corridor. We have initiated the activity of engaging the local government, the community the youth to see if there is anybody who is coming in from Uganda or going out of Uganda we wish really to delay or restrict the movement,” he stressed.
On Thursday, officials in Nimule sounded an alarm over travelers who sneak into South Sudan without undergoing the Ebola screening.
Following the declaration and rapid spread of the killer Ebola Virus in Uganda last week, South Sudan authorities installed Ebola screening stations at the borders with Uganda to curb the spread of the disease into the country. Uganda has confirmed more than 30 cases and five deaths.
However, Major Gatluak Riak, the director of customs at the Nimule border said though measures are being set up, travelers are sneaking into the country, putting thousands at risk of contracting the contagious virus.
The customs official said they are working with health officials and the police to ensure those crossing into South Sudan are screened before they enter the country.
Silvester Nyuma, a medical director at Nimule Hospital said the screening exercise started this week at the border. — NNN-GNA
