By Doreen Chembe
Zambia has detected a localized Viral Haemorrhagic Fever alert in Luanshya District, on the Copperbelt.
Viral Haemorrhagic Fever is a group of severe, often life-threatening illnesses caused by several distinct families of viruses.
These diseases are characterized by a high fever, damage to the body’s vascular system, and an impaired ability for the blood to clot, which can result in internal bleeding
In a statement to ZNBC News, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, said the alert involves a 46-year-old woman from Kafubu Block Farms in Luanshya.
Dr. Lishimpi said the woman presented with symptoms consistent with a Viral Haemorrhagic Fever illness, including severe nosebleeds, vomiting of blood, and extreme weakness.
He said the patient was isolated at Roan Antelope Referral Hospital and remains clinically stable.
Dr. Lishimpi adds that Rapid Response Teams have identified and placed 70 contacts in Luanshya and Ndola under daily 21-day symptom and temperature monitoring, with no secondary symptoms reported so far.
The Ministry further disclosed that preliminary Rapid Diagnostic Test results on the patient’s blood sample returned negative for both Ebola and Marburg virus diseases.
Dr. Lishimpi has however noted that Rapid Diagnostic Tests may have reduced sensitivity during the early stages of infection.
He said confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction -PCR- and antigen testing is currently underway at the University Teaching Hospital Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory in Lusaka, with final results expected within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lishimpi says following the outbreak of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever and Ebola in DRC, the Government has intensified national preparedness measures.
He said the Copperbelt Provincial Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has also been activated in Active Response Mode.
He said the Copperbelt Provincial Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has also been activated in Active Response Mode.
Dr. Lishimpi adds that six priority provinces – Copperbelt, Luapula, North-Western, Northern, Central, and Muchinga, have been placed under heightened surveillance.
He says enhanced screening measures, including thermal screening and health questionnaires, have also been strengthened at major points of entry, particularly Kasumbalesa and Nakonde.
