Fact check: Report claims woman with Ebola crossed border into SA
- A report claimed that a woman who tested positive for Ebola crossed into SA
- It was later falsely added that health officials "confirmed its first case of Ebola"
- Briefly.co.za took a look at the facts to determine whether or not SA is now at risk
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South Africans were given a fright after news surfaced claiming a woman with Ebola crossed the Lesotho border into the Free State.
A local publication reported earlier that health officials confirmed its first case of Ebola. According to the report, a woman showing signs of the deadly virus crossed the Ficksburg border in the Free State.
The lady was reportedly rushed to a hospital where it was confirmed that she had contracted the Ebola virus.
Needless to say, the news sent South Africans into a frenzy and they flooded social media with their posts of concern.
Twitter user, @Missbongy, asked:
"Why is she allowed to cross the border?"
Brent Wicksted, who goes by the Twitter handle @brentsw3, commented:
"How did she cross? In a taxi with 12+ other passengers?! This could get very serious, very quickly!"
Tumelo manganye, @TumeloManganye, wrote:
"December is around the corner and now we have to worry about Ebola."
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Briefly.co.za took a closer look at the report and found that there was nothing for South Africans to worry about.
According to an update by News24, the International Health Regulations (IHR) in Lesotho said it had been an exercise simulation between the border gates of Ficksburg and Maputsoe.
IHR confirmed it took place on Wednesday, 13 November, but made it clear that it was simply an exercise to "test the preparedness and response to the PHEIC".
The IHR officer added that the minister of health is expected to release a statement addressing the outcome of the stimulation later today.
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Source: Briefly News
