Laboratory testing has ruled out Ebola in two individuals who were suspected of carrying the deadly virus, Zambian health officials announced as the country increases disease monitoring efforts amid a regional outbreak.
The heightened vigilance comes as authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo reported Friday that suspected infections from the uncommon Bundibugyo variant of Ebola have climbed to 1,028 cases. This particular strain has no available vaccine for prevention.
Uganda has also documented infections within its borders.
Health officials in Zambia acknowledged Friday evening that the risk of the disease spreading across their nation’s borders remains elevated, though laboratory analysis confirmed the two suspected patients do not have Ebola.
“Zambia has developed screening tools and protocols, which are already being used to screen for Ebola at entry points into Zambia and on people within the country who have Ebola-like symptoms,” the ministry added in its statement.
The Bundibugyo variant, which takes its name from the Ugandan region where researchers first documented it almost two decades ago, has concerned health experts due to its prolonged undetected transmission through heavily populated communities, complicating efforts to track and quarantine those who came into contact with infected persons.
The World Health Organization describes Ebola as initially presenting symptoms similar to influenza, including elevated body temperature, exhaustion, general discomfort, aching muscles, head pain and throat irritation that can begin abruptly, progressing to nausea and loose stools, and ultimately resulting in internal and external hemorrhaging along with failure of multiple organs.
