Pakistan issues high alert as Ebola outbreak spreads in Africa

Health emergency declared by WHO

Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has directed the National Institute of Health (NIH) to take immediate precautionary measures following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola as a global public health emergency.

Officials said the step has been taken to strengthen preparedness and prevent any possible spread of the virus.

Screening tightened at airports

Border health teams have been instructed to increase screening of passengers arriving from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at airports.

Authorities have also ensured the availability of laboratory testing kits to support early detection of suspected cases.

Health officials warned that early symptoms of Ebola can resemble dengue fever, making careful diagnosis important for medical staff. However, they reassured the public that there is currently no Ebola case reported in Pakistan and the situation remains under control.

Situation in Africa and global response

According to health reports, African countries have recorded around 300 suspected Ebola cases and about 80 deaths.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization has confirmed 51 cases, along with nearly 600 suspected infections and 139 suspected deaths. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the numbers may rise as the virus could have been spreading unnoticed before detection.

Also Read: Common asthma drug may help treat hard-to-cure cancers: Study

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also sent response teams to help control the outbreak and support containment efforts.

Ongoing vigilance

Health experts continue to urge early screening, strong monitoring systems, and quick response measures to prevent international spread of the virus.