Malawi on high alert on Ebola threat – Immigration chief
Government authorities in Malawi say they are doing what it takes to ensure that the deadly Ebola Virus is prevented from spreading into the country.
Chief Immigration officer Hudson Mankhwala says his officers are working hand in hand with health workers in various border posts who are doing screening exercises on people entering the country.
“We have our people working with officials from ministry of health in bid to prevent the virus from spreading into the country,” he told a local radio.
The outbreak – the worlds deadliest to date – was first reported in Guinea in February. It then spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Ebola kills up to 90% of those infected, but patients have a better chance of survival if they receive early treatment.
According to new UN figures the number of people killed by the virus in West Africa has now reached 672.
In Sierra Leone, the doctor who led the fight against Ebola, Sheik Umar Khan, has died of the disease. His death follows that of prominent Liberian doctor Samuel Brisbane over the weekend.
Last week, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, reported its first case – that of Liberian finance ministry official Patrick Sawyer who flew to the main city, Lagos, in an Asky flight.
Liberia has deployed police officers at the international airport in the capital, Monrovia, to ensure passengers are screened for symptoms of Ebola.
