Botswana has intensified health screening at all ports of entry following new Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday as authorities move to prevent the virus from entering the country.
Ministry spokesperson Christopher Nyanga said the enhanced measures, now in effect at airports and land borders, are aimed at early detection and rapid containment of any potential cases.
“This precautionary measure is being implemented to protect the health and safety of all citizens and residents of Botswana as well as to prevent the importation of the virus,” Nyanga said in a statement.
The move comes as the DRC and Uganda battle fresh Ebola flare‑ups, with health officials in both countries reporting new infections in recent weeks.
The outbreaks have raised regional concern given the virus’s high fatality rate and history of cross‑border spread in Central and East Africa.
Botswana’s new protocols require all incoming travellers to undergo temperature checks and symptom screening for Ebola‑related signs such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and unexplained bleeding.
Travellers must also complete health declaration forms and provide detailed travel histories, particularly if they have visited affected areas within the past 21 days.
Anyone displaying symptoms or reporting high‑risk exposure will be isolated immediately and referred to designated health facilities for testing and management.
Nyanga urged the public to avoid non‑essential travel to the DRC and Uganda, practise strict hygiene, and report any suspicious illness to health authorities.
JN/APA