WHO probes mystery disease
2008-10-06 17:06
Johannesburg - Zambian authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have mounted investigations into the unknown disease that has so far claimed four lives in South Africa.
Zambia's High Commissioner in Pretoria, Leslie Mbula, said on Monday reports from Zambia indicated that no other person in the country had contracted the "mysterious disease".
"Zambia has mounted an investigation and is working closely with the World Health Organisation. Apart from the two people who died at Morningside Medi-Clinic, there have been no reports of anyone presenting with the illness in Zambia," Mbula said.
Mbula said he had spoken to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Simon Miti, who confirmed the situation.
Zambia's health minister Brian Chituwo was due to release a statement later on Monday.
Four people died in South Africa of a highly infectious disease that has yet to be identified, the health department said.
No travel alert
The first casualty was a woman from Zambia who was critically ill when she arrived in South Africa on September 12. She was treated for tick-bite fever and other potential infections at Morningside Medi-Clinic, but died two days later.
Blood tests were not conclusive for any disease.
The second victim was a Zambian male paramedic who had accompanied the woman. He was admitted on September 27 with flu-like symptoms and treated for a range of infections.
A nurse from the clinic also died following contact with the Zambian woman.
The fourth was a cleaner who had worked in the ward.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said South Africa had not issued a travel alert to Zambia.
"We have not issued a warning to travellers. But speak to the Department of Health, they are dealing with the issue," Mamoepa said.
Mbula however said people should not be afraid of travelling to Zambia.
"Please continue travelling to Zambia. There is no danger," he said.
- SAPA