Zambia’s health authorities have confirmed that two suspected Ebola cases that were recently investigated have tested negative, easing immediate concerns about local transmission.

Despite this, the country has intensified screening and surveillance measures at its borders and within communities as a precautionary response to a growing outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The DRC has reported a significant rise in suspected cases linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with more than a thousand suspected infections recorded.Uganda has also reported cases, raising regional concern about potential cross-border spread.The Zambian health ministry stated that the risk of Ebola entering the country remains high due to its proximity to affected regions.

In response, authorities have introduced enhanced screening tools and protocols at all entry points, including airports, border posts and other points of entry.These measures are also being applied to individuals already inside the country who present Ebola-like symptoms.

The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, first identified nearly two decades ago in Uganda, is particularly concerning to health experts due to its ability to spread undetected in densely populated areas.This makes contact tracing and containment more difficult.

According to the World Health Organisation, Ebola typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain and sore throat, before progressing to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding, organ failure and death.

Zambia’s response reflects broader regional efforts to prevent further spread of the virus, with heightened vigilance across southern and central Africa as health systems monitor the evolving situation in the DRC and surrounding countries.