Zambia’s Vice President W.K Mutale Nalumango has assured the nation that Zambia has not recorded any Ebola cases after recent suspected viral hemorrhagic fever alerts were investigated and confirmed negative.
Addressing the nation, Ms. Nalumango said health authorities acted swiftly following the alerts, with investigations proving that the suspected cases were not linked to Ebola.
She says the incidents highlight the importance of Zambia’s disease surveillance and emergency response systems amid growing regional concerns over Ebola outbreaks.
Ms. Nalumango has said government remains on high alert and will continue closely monitoring the situation in the region in collaboration with neighboring countries and international health partners.
She has stressed that Zambia is committed to protecting citizens through continued vigilance and adherence to established public health measures.
The Vice President has urged members of the public to remain calm but alert, warning that Ebola is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease.
She has advised anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe weakness, or unexplained bleeding, especially after travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases, to seek immediate medical attention and avoid close contact with others.
Ms. Nalumango has further appealed to the public to cooperate with health workers, maintain good hygiene practices, and avoid circulating unverified information that could cause panic.
She has encouraged citizens to report suspected public health incidents through the national toll-free hotline 1720 or the nearest health facility.
Ms Nalumango has said the country can effectively prevent the spread of infectious diseases through unity, vigilance, and timely reporting of suspected cases.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
