KAMPALA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has barred travelers with a history of travel to neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from transiting through the country to prevent the spread of Ebola, the Health Ministry said Friday.
The move followed a case involving a traveler suspected of having a travel history to the DRC, where Ebola is spreading rapidly, said the ministry in a statement. The traveler transited through Uganda and tested positive upon arrival in Nigeria.
Another traveler with travel history to the DRC also transited through Uganda and turned positive when he reached Kenya in early October.
Under the new measures, all travelers regardless of origin must complete locator forms to facilitate contact tracing, where necessary, the ministry said.
Infection and control measures have been strengthened at all entry and exit points and health facilities, while nationwide surveillance continues, it said.
The ministry warned that people entering Uganda through unauthorized routes would face prosecution for violating public health requirements.
"The ministry requests communities to remain vigilant and report suspected unauthorized border crossings to the relevant authorities to facilitate screening and necessary public health follow-up," the statement said.
It also noted that Uganda remains Ebola-free.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, before the end of the outbreak was officially recognized by the World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Aug. 27, after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case. ■
