Busia County is on high alert after another suspected Ebola case tested negative at the County Referral Hospital laboratory. The latest result takes the number of suspected cases tested at the facility to 14, and none has so far been confirmed.
Deputy Governor Arthur Odera, who is also the County Executive Committee Member for Health, visited the Alupe Ebola Virus Emergency Treatment Unit on Thursday to see how ready the county is.
The visit came just one day after the negative result, he went round the facility to check on preparedness and to see what the health workers need to respond quickly if a real case comes up.
During the visit, the Deputy Governor said the county has raised its level of alertness and is ready to act at any time. He asked residents not to panic but to stay watchful. People were reminded to wash their hands properly and to avoid shaking hands or any other body contact that isn't necessary, since the virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person.
Any resident who develops fever or other symptoms, or who suspects that someone around them may have the disease, should not wait. They are advised to go to the nearest health facility immediately. Early reporting makes it easier for health workers to test, isolate and treat patients before the illness spreads to others.
Families and community leaders are also being asked to pass this message on, especially in markets, matatu stages and places of worship where people gather in large numbers. Good information is the best defence right now, and every person who takes these steps helps protect the whole county.
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