After increased danger, the Federal Government and Puntland take urgent measures

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online) – The Kenyan government has today confirmed the first case of the Ebola virus found in the country, with Kenya's Health Minister, Aadan Barre Ducaale, stating that the patient who contracted the disease has died.

The confirmation of this case has heightened concerns about the spread of the disease in the region, as Ebola is prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has also been found in neighboring countries such as Uganda and Rwanda.

In light of the new situation emerging in Kenya, the Ministry of Health of Somalia has stated that it is closely monitoring the spread of the Ebola virus, noting that it has taken important measures to mitigate the potential threat the disease could pose to the country.

The Ebola virus is caused by a virus known as Ebolavirus, which can be transmitted from person to person through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, especially when the person shows symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms in an infected person can appear within a range of 2 to 21 days, and may include severe fever, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Other symptoms that can be observed in a person with the disease include painful throat, red or yellow eyes, internal bleeding, skin rashes, and dysfunction of certain body organs.

On the Puntland side, the Ministry of Health of the Puntland Government has stated that it has strengthened its preparedness for the Ebola virus, following Kenya's confirmation of the first case of the disease, and has also mentioned that it is closely monitoring the health situation in the region.

The Puntland Ministry of Health has confirmed that so far no cases of Ebola have been reported in Puntland, but it is closely monitoring the disease situation in neighboring countries and the region as a whole, particularly the case confirmed in Kenya.

The ministry also stated that it has strengthened preparedness, early detection, and rapid response measures related to the prevention of Ebola, with these measures enhancing the capacity to prevent the spread of the disease.

Puntland has urged the public that anyone experiencing fever, severe fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual bleeding, especially someone who has traveled to a country where the disease is present, should promptly contact the nearest health center.

“The ministry is continuously working with government agencies involved in risk management and health partners to strengthen Puntland's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases and health emergencies, including Ebola,” said a statement from the Puntland Ministry of Health.

Nevertheless, the federal Ministry of Health and the Puntland administration have encouraged the community to be vigilant about the symptoms of the disease and to follow health guidelines related to the prevention and control of Ebola, while enhancing the health preparedness of Somalia.