The South African health department has confirmed that 24 public and 12 private hospitals are prepared to handle Ebola cases if they arrive in the country.

This preparation includes the establishment of three specialised committees, enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for border management authorities, and coordinated risk-based screening at key entry points like OR Tambo International Airport.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi highlighted that the focus is on early detection, contact tracing, and rapid response rather than routine quarantine.

Prof Salim Abdool Karim, a leading infectious disease expert, noted that while the risk of Ebola entering South Africa remains, current containment measures have prevented outbreaks so far.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is urging healthcare workers to remain vigilant, especially for individuals with recent travel history to affected regions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

The department has also strengthened protocols for managing suspected cases, including strict infection control measures and collaboration with international health authorities.These steps aim to ensure South Africa’s healthcare system is equipped to handle any potential Ebola cases swiftly and safely.