9 October 2008
editorial
IT is by now very clear that there is a serious problem with the mysterious disease reported and emergency measures must quickly be put in place to avoid a catastrophe.
The situation also serves as a wake up call for health authorities to take matters of regulation of stock pet and human immigration at our frontiers very seriously.
Confirmation by Health Minister, Brian Chituwo that this mysterious deadly strain of disease suspected to be Crimean- Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is actually more virulent than the ebola virus must snap everyone into top gear by ensuring that there are no new infections.
However, fundamental matters have been brought to the fore about the general preparedness or the lack of it by authorities when it comes to protecting innocent lives.
Going by Press reports coming out of South Africa, over 120 people who came into contact with those that have succumbed to the disease, have so far been quarantined and were being observed 24 hours a day in case they develop the same symptoms.
Having come from Zambia where the first victim worked, fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa, it is surprising that, no one who worked closely with her or those who handled her in the local clinics have been put under similar observation.
If the reports that several horses she imported from the Congo may have carried the disease are true, has anybody from the veterinary department been sent to the area to carry out investigations?
It is not good enough at this point to say nobody in this country has tested positive for the disease and assume that in that regard, the disease did not originate from here. The very fact that she worked in this country amongst animals should ring alarm bells in the minds of the authorities.
It will be unfortunate if tomorrow people start falling sick after such assurances.
People expect the health ministry to start a vigorous sensitisation campaign in the media schools, markets and all public places to look out for such symptoms. As it is, nobody really knows the true extent or the seriousness of the situation.
Until the authorities are sure the danger has passed, the situation deserves very close and urgent attention.
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Ok ppl in power, time to stop playing golf and start concetrating on the Disease! The Health Authorities need to contact someone like the CDC for intervention, as they clearly need help to get the situation under control.
My prayers go out to the people in Quarentine, and to their families. I pray the disease will not spread and become a epidemic.