Phikwe on Ebola alert

Onalenna Kelebeile | Wednesday November 5, 2014 15:11

Selebi-Phikwe Hospital Public Relations Officer Onalethata Nkwe confirmed that the clinic was identified by the ERRT comprised of the District Health Management Team. This team is made of different health professionals. She further said there had been no case of Ebola suspected in Selebi-Phikwe or Botswana as a whole but there was need to remain alert and prepared in case of emergency. Nkwe added that in the event of a suspected case skeletal health staff would be deployed to the clinic and would give updates to the ERRT on a regular basis.

“Our laboratory will also be ready to do tests to confirm the disease. Arrangement is that if the person dies of Ebola the body is disposed of with immediate effect and it will be ensured that nobody comes into contact with the corpse contrary to customary practices,” she said. Nkwe said in the event that any patient is admitted to the Industrial Clinic suspected of Ebola, other patients would use alternative health facilities around town. She added that they had also sensitised the aviation staff at the Selebi-Phikwe airport on Ebola symptoms, so that they can detect them from new arrivals.

The district DHMT has identified Khurumela Clinic and Martins Drift border post as Ebola isolation centres in Palapye.