Botswana has intensified Ebola screening protocols at all points of entry following recent outbreaks of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
In a public notice this morning, the Ministry of Health said the precautionary move is intended to protect the health and safety of all citizens and residents of Botswana, as well as to prevent the spreading of the virus.
The Ministry stated that the intervention will also help ensure early detection and containment of any potential cases. Under the new measures, all incoming travellers will undergo temperature checks and screening for Ebola-related symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
“Travellers will be required to provide details of their recent travel history, particularly if they have visited the DRC, Uganda, or any other Ebola-affected area within the past 21 days,” reads the statement.
The Ministry further warned that any traveller showing symptoms consistent with Ebola or reporting high-risk contact with infected individuals will be immediately isolated and transported to designated health facilities for further assessment, testing, and management.
Passengers arriving by air will also be required to complete and submit health declaration forms before disembarkation. Meanwhile, the Ministry has strongly advised the public to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected regions, specifically the DRC and Uganda. The public has also been urged to practise strict hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers.
“Avoid contact with individuals showing signs of illness, especially fever, vomiting, or bleeding,” the Ministry cautioned. Authorities have also encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious illness immediately to the nearest health facility or through the Ministry’s toll-free hotline, 16649.
“All travellers entering Botswana are required to cooperate fully with health officials at the point of entry, and failure to comply may result in denial of entry, quarantine, or legal action as provided for under the Public Health Act,” the statement further reads.
