EBOLA is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus which was first discovered in then Zaire, which is now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in 1979 by a Belgian, Peter Piot.
Then, Dr Piot was a 27-year-old scientist as well as Medical Science graduate who had just trained as a microbiologist.
The disease typically occurs in the tropics of sub-Saharan Africa, and is common in the DRC, Cameroun and Gabon.
The name Ebola originates from one of those first recorded in 1976 in Yambuku, in the then Zaire, which lies on the banks of Ebola River.
So far as we speak, there is no known cure for the disease which has so far claimed numerous lives, especially in the western African region of the continent.
For now, we can safely state that prevention of contracting the Ebola disease would be the best option as scientists are busy working round-the-clock in their laboratories, trying by all means to find suitable treatment to eradicate the disease.
Scientists have alluded to the symptoms such as sore throat, high fever and muscle pains which may be common to those experienced by one who has been hit by malaria or any other form of known fever. These symptoms occur within a few days of contracting the Ebola disease.
Thereafter, these symptoms are followed by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea along with decreased functioning of the liver and the kidneys. At this crucial point a patient may start experiencing breathing difficulties.
The Ebola virus may be acquired upon one coming into contact with the blood or blood fluid of an infected animal, especially monkeys which are more prone, as well as fruit bats and transmission is mostly air-borne.
Zambia as a nation has taken some precautionary measures by ensuring that screening points are set up in border areas or points of entry.
Other measures taken include imparting necessary training and equipping medical workers with the protective wear and equipment to enable them carry out such screening exercises.
In addition, the Government through the Ministry of Health issued a travel advisory for those travelling from and to areas so far hit by the deadly Ebola virus.
While all these efforts have been undertaken, the nation has been grappling with the problem of prohibited immigrants whose entry and origin have to be ascertained through the Department of Immigration.
We can safely state here that all measures undertaken so far are meant to put the nation on high alert as the devastating effects of the Ebola virus cannot be underestimated.
Zambia being one of the developing countries is vulnerable. So as they say, prevention is better than cure.
It is in this light that we totally agree with Central Province Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale, who has challenged stakeholders such as the church, media and other organisations to partner with the Government in sensitising the public on the dangers of the Ebola Virus.
Ms Mutale further courted residents of the province against harbouring prohibited immigrants (PIs) who for obvious reasons may have sneaked into the country without going through the screening points that have been set up in border areas.
Indeed there is need to partner with the Government to carry out sensitisation to the public who rub shoulders with these visitors on the dangers of the deadly disease.
Dissemination of necessary information on the dangers or symptoms of nthe deadly Ebola is of essence. However, some of our border areas are rather porous. Thus chances of PIs coming in unnoticed by Immigration authorities are rather high.
Much as medical workers could have been deployed at entry points to conduct screening exercises, there is also need for people to intensify sensitisation.
Citizens can also play their part by ensuring that PIs are reported to the Immigration authorities for appropriate action to be taken.
So the onus is on every one to be alert and not leave everything to chance.