ISLAMABAD: The spread of the deadly Ebola outbreak originating in African countries has raised global alarm, with the World Health Organization declaring the situation a serious public health concern.
In response to the potential threat, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has initiated precautionary measures and directed the National Institute of Health to ensure the availability of laboratory testing kits and take all necessary preparedness steps.
The ministry has also instructed Border Health Services authorities to remain on high alert and intensify screening of passengers arriving from Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo at airports across the country.
Officials said symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever closely resemble those of dengue virus, prompting health authorities to advise medical staff to exercise extra caution while handling suspected cases.
According to officials from Pakistan’s federal health ministry, the situation within the country remains fully under control and there is no immediate cause for concern.
Meanwhile, more than 300 suspected Ebola cases and 80 deaths have been reported in affected African countries so far. A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also arrived in the affected regions to assist response efforts.