The Tanzanian government has stepped up screening and health surveillance measures for international travellers following the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the recent identification of a case in neighbouring Kenya involving a patient who had travelled from the DRC.
The new measures, effective immediately, require all travellers entering Tanzania to complete an electronic health surveillance form either before departure or upon arrival, according to Travel Advisory No. 18 issued by the Ministry of Health on Saturday.
Travellers must provide accurate information through the ministry’s electronic platform and retain the confirmation QR code or reference number, which may be requested by health authorities at points of entry.
The advisory, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Grace Magembe, stipulates that all passengers entering the country through airports, land borders, or seaports must undergo health screening, including body temperature measurement.
Individuals suspected of showing Ebola symptoms or signs of other infectious diseases will be referred in accordance with national health surveillance and control procedures.
Travellers classified as high-risk will be subject to daily monitoring for 21 days via automated messages or other communication channels. Authorities require these passengers to cooperate with follow-up communications and respond to messages even after leaving Tanzanian territory.
The Ministry of Health also called on travellers and transport operators to comply with infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, the use of disinfectants, and the reduction of unnecessary physical contact.
The advisory further establishes that any vehicle or vessel contaminated by a suspected case, cargo, or human remains associated with Ebola or another infectious disease will be subjected to disinfection at the point of entry.
Travellers are advised to report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility or competent authorities.
The ministry noted that the advisory will be revised as necessary and recommended that passengers departing Tanzania comply with the health requirements of their destination or transit countries.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=555012
