Somalia on high alert for possible Ebola outbreak

MOGADISHU, Somalia Oct 18,2014 (Garowe Online)-As West African nations are reeling from the deadly disease of Ebola, Somalia has begun to put health authorities on standby for any possible Ebola infections on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) officials Friday met over tight surveillance and preventive measures against spillover of Ebola virus into the war-ravaged horn of Africa nation and the establishment of Quarantine centers.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters in Puntland capital of Garowe the Director-General of Puntland’s Ministry of Health Dr. Abdirizak Hirsi Hassan declared that a national commission on Ebola will be set up by Puntland and Somalia Federal Government.

Hassan added, after series of requests lodged with World Health Organization (WHO the international body would help the Federal Government and Puntland form mobile health centers at key entries including airports, seaports and border towns.

“Among the symptoms of Ebola are fever, rashes, cough and weight loss,” said the Director-General of Puntland’s Ministry of Health.

Sierra Leonean peacekeeper meant for Somalia last week tested positive for Ebola, prompting Somalia government to ask African Union to postpone the deployment of Ebola-hit countries soldiers in the country.

Widespread Ebola infections claimed at killed over 4000 people in Nigeria, Sierra Leon, Guinea and Liberia, with WHO declaring Ebola International Health Emergency.

GAROWE ONLINE