08 Aug 2018

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW)  has not banned travel to the  Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A press release from the ministry notes the confusion caused by its press release issued on the 3^rd August titled Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak alert in DRC. It advised Batswana to avoid or postpone travelling to the DRC.

It says the public is informed that as of August 3, 2018, a total of 43 Ebola virus disease cases, 13 confirmed and 30 probable, including 33 deaths, have been reported in the DRC. The release says that an additional 33 suspected cases are currently pending laboratory testing to confirm or exclude Ebola virus disease.

Furthermore, it says the present EVD epidemic is reported from Mangina town in North Kivu province that is close to the border with Rwanda and Uganda.

Therefore, the ministry has intensified preparedness measures including surveillance, alertness at the districts and ports of entry and continues to monitor the situation in DRC in close consultation with World Health Organisation (WHO) and will keep the public updated.

The ministry apologises for the inconvenience the earlier release might have caused. Ebola is a highly contagious and virulent disease that can be transmitted through contact with infected person’s body fluids, blood, tissue and human waste. ENDS