MPONDWE, Uganda - On Tuesdays and Fridays, an estimated 19,000 people stream down the hill from Congo's North Kivu province to cross the border into this small town, many of them headed to a sprawling open-air market.
In recent weeks, crossing the border has become more difficult as Ugandan health authorities have beefed up precautions against the spread of the Ebola virus. An outbreak centered in North Kivu is responsible for 105 confirmed or suspected cases, including 67 deaths, according to Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who has just returned from the area.
Uganda is determined to keep the deadly hemorrhagic fever from spreading to its side of the border. Before travelers are allowed through, they must step in small tubs of chlorinated water to disinfect their shoes, and their temperatures are taken with no-touch thermometer guns aimed at their temples.
Uganda moved quickly, imposing the precautions a week after the latest outbreak was declared Aug. 1. It has found six suspected cases at this crossing, but laboratory tests cleared them all.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
1 comment:
I wonder how long it will be before it reaches our shores. With all the illegals (lawbreakers) pouring in our country, it just a matter of time. We eradicated polio, measles TB,Etc. Now it is all coming back. All you people in favor of illegals better be careful what you wish for.
Post a Comment