Tanzania steps up Ebola screening at Namanga border after Kenya outbreak

Tanzania steps up Ebola screening at Namanga border after Kenya outbreak - Namanga one stop border post. (Photo: African Development Bank)

Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary Toba Nguvila said the measures aim to strengthen early detection and prompt management of suspected infections at the busy crossing linking Tanzania and Kenya.

Tanzania's northeastern Arusha Region has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola, training more than 100 health workers, designating an isolation and treatment facility, and intensifying health screening at the Namanga border post following an outbreak in neighbouring Kenya, an official said Tuesday.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are nine confirmed cases and two deaths in Kenya, with no evidence of wider community transmission.

Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary Toba Nguvila said the measures aim to strengthen early detection and prompt management of suspected infections at the busy crossing linking Tanzania and Kenya.

Nguvila outlined the preparations after inspecting screening procedures and staff readiness at the Namanga One-Stop Border Post in Longido District.

He said more than 100 health workers from all seven district councils in the region had received training on Ebola preparedness and response, adding that a facility had been designated to isolate and treat suspected patients.

Nguvila urged border officials to screen every traveller, including conducting preliminary health assessments and temperature checks, and refer suspected cases for further testing.

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He warned that infected travellers entering Tanzania could expose others while travelling to Arusha and other destinations, calling for continued vigilance and strict implementation of preventive measures.

The Ministry of Health has also strengthened screening at the country's points of entry, including health declarations, temperature checks and 21-day monitoring of travellers considered at high risk.