Pakistan has intensified screening measures at airports across the country, along with other precautionary steps, amid the recent Ebola virus outbreak in Africa, the Ministry of Health said.

According to the ministry, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has directed authorities to implement precautionary screening protocols at all airports to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

The ministry said the recent Ebola outbreak is currently limited to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It added that the risk to Pakistan remains extremely low due to limited travel links with the affected countries.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization’s office in Pakistan are continuously monitoring the situation, the ministry said.

The ministry has also directed all provinces and Border Health Services to remain on alert. It said Pakistan has the capacity to diagnose Ebola and that directives have been issued to ensure all necessary arrangements and preparedness measures are in place.

Officials said laboratory testing kits will be maintained for early detection. Screening of passengers arriving from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has also been enhanced at airports.

The ministry said WHO has recommended enhanced precautionary surveillance measures but has not advised any travel restrictions.

No Ebola case has ever been reported in Pakistan or its neighboring countries, according to the ministry. It also advised citizens traveling to African countries to review relevant travel and health advisories issued by those countries before departure.

The health ministry reassured the public that the situation in Pakistan is under control and there is no immediate cause for concern.

Ebola is a deadly viral disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. It can cause severe bleeding and organ failure. There are no approved vaccines or therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola behind the current outbreak.

There have only been two previous outbreaks of Bundibugyo Ebola, in Uganda in 2007 and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2012.

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