Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
25 November 1996
Monitoring of all persons considered to run any risk of infection (no matter how slight) continued today, without anyone among the 300-odd contacts showing signs of developing Ebola fever.
Three people were referred to Rietfontein Hospital for blood tests and examination because they were feeling ill and had raised body temperatures. None was sufficiently ill to require admission and they will continue to be checked on an out-patient basis.
An average of two to three people have been checked by Rietfontein for the last eight days and not a single additional case of Ebola fever has been confirmed in the process. The total number of Ebola fever cases treated in Johannesburg therefore still stands at two.
The national Health Department has convened a meeting with companies which airlift patients into South Africa for medical care and with agencies which organise treatment for foreign patients. The meeting, due to take place tomorrow, will address methods for ensuring effective cross-border control of infectious diseases.
Dr Brian Gushulak, who heads a World Health Organisation initiative to revise international measures for infection control across international borders, will attend this meeting. He arrived in Johannesburg from Geneva yesterday and has been consulting officials and other experts in Gauteng about the challenges of updating infection control measures and making them more appropriate to present realities.
Released by the Directorate for Health Promotion & Communication Contact: Jo-Anne Collinge Tel: 082 574 5510
Off the record: Health reporters should not we are trying to find an opportunity for them to meet Dr Gushulak before he returns to Geneva tomorrow evening. We will advise you via Alpha Page once arrangements are finalised.
We will also advise about funeral arrangements for Mrs Marilyn Lahana.