Ouagadoudou, May 24 (IANS) The central African nation of Burkina Faso has strengthened preventive measures against Ebola virus disease, with health authorities stressing that no cases have been recorded in the country so far.

The Ministry of Health, in a statement, said it has stepped up epidemiological surveillance, particularly at the country’s entry points. Meanwhile, all health facilities have been placed on alert to ensure the early detection of any suspected cases.

The ministry also announced enhanced capacities of national laboratories, including the deployment of mobile laboratories to rapidly confirm suspected cases. These measures are accompanied by the preparation of isolation sites and treatment systems, as well as the mobilisation of the Centre for Emergency Health Response Operations, Xinhua news agency reported.

While reaffirming that no Ebola cases have been reported in Burkina Faso, health authorities called on the public to remain vigilant and comply with health guidelines.

Amid the Ebola outbreak in Africa, India on Thursday dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s commitment to supporting Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency.

“India dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to the Africa CDC today. Committed to support Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency,” he posted on X.

The government also advised Indian citizens, currently residing in or travelling to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions, in light of the reported outbreak of Ebola disease in these countries.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

–IANS

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