Zimbabwean health authorities say they are monitoring three healthcare workers who arrived in the country on Monday after being identified as contacts of a confirmed case of Hantavirus on Ascension Island, amid growing international concern over an outbreak linked to a cruise ship travelling from South America, writes
Michael Gwarisa, Health Times.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said the three Zimbabwean nationals, who were repatriated aboard a private charter flight, had tested negative for the virus before departure and were not showing any symptoms.
In a statement, the ministry said the evacuation was arranged because Ascension Island has limited isolation and treatment facilities.
The three travellers arrived through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where they were screened by Port Health officials before being transferred for monitoring.
Authorities said the group would remain under active observation during the recommended incubation period and would stay together at a designated private isolation facility as a precautionary measure.
Agencies
