South Africa readies hospitals for possible Ebola cases

South Africa's Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the country is preparing for the potential importation of Ebola cases from the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has infected more than 1,600 people and killed over 500.

The Department of Health has designated 36 hospitals – 24 public and 12 private – to receive suspected or confirmed patients. Three specialised committees have been set up: a Hospital Readiness Committee, an Incident Management Team led by the Director General, and a Public Health Emergency Preparedness Team. These bodies meet weekly and would convene daily if an outbreak occurs.

Screening at priority entry points such as OR Tambo International Airport has been intensified, with personal protective equipment supplied to border authorities. Contact‑tracing protocols, training simulations and regular risk‑based assessments are in place to detect and contain any imported case.