Zimbabwe Activates Ebola Surveillance as Government Tightens Border Screening

HARARE – Zimbabwe has stepped up Ebola preparedness measures by introducing health screening at ports of entry and activating its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre amid growing regional concerns over an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Government has also requested laboratory testing reagents from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to strengthen the country’s Ebola detection and response capacity. The move follows the decision by the Africa CDC to classify Zimbabwe among countries at high risk of Ebola spillover due to its regional trade links, cross-border movement, and connectivity with affected countries. Other countries identified as high-risk include Zambia, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo.

The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and is centred in Ituri Province in eastern DRC. Health authorities have reported hundreds of suspected infections and dozens of deaths associated with the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Uganda has also confirmed imported Ebola cases linked to the DRC outbreak, raising concerns about regional transmission. Briefing the Cabinet this week, Douglas Mombeshora said Zimbabwe had not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases but was taking precautionary measures because of increasing travel and trade links within the region.

Mombeshora said health personnel stationed at airports and border posts have already begun screening incoming travellers. The measures include temperature checks and the monitoring of passengers for symptoms commonly associated with Ebola infection.

“Zimbabwe has not recorded any Ebola cases, but we are taking proactive steps to strengthen surveillance and preparedness,” he said.

The Minister noted that authorities were prioritising early detection to minimise the risk of the virus entering the country.

The government has also activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare to coordinate preparedness efforts. The centre will oversee health worker training, public awareness campaigns, disease surveillance, and emergency response planning.

Health officials are also working to educate communities about Ebola symptoms and preventive measures. Mombeshora warned that Ebola often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness before progressing to severe illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, internal bleeding, and haemorrhaging.

To improve readiness, Zimbabwe is strengthening its laboratory systems and emergency testing capabilities. Mombeshora said South Africa would serve as a regional reference laboratory while Africa CDC assists with specimen transportation and technical support.

“We have applied to Africa CDC for reagents to test for the Ebola virus, and they have agreed to support us so that we are fully prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

Authorities also plan to work closely with traditional leaders, community health workers, and local authorities to improve public awareness and strengthen disease surveillance at the grassroots level. Health officials say early detection, rapid reporting, and public cooperation remain critical in preventing the spread of Ebola should the virus cross into Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Ebola preparedness