The whole of Zimbabwe is sitting on tenterhooks as health officials await test results from South Africa.
They will indicate whether or not Zimbabwe has recorded its first case of Ebola infection.
The sample being tested was taken from a woman who arrived in Harare from Democratic Republic of Congo and tested positive for malaria but then started showing some symptoms of Ebola affliction.
Consequently Zimbabwe’s infectious diseases hospital in Harare, where she was admitted, was closed down early last Thursday as doctors awaited results for her.
Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital was closed to the public for at least three days as a woman was admitted, but has since been found to have malaria.
Dr Prosper Chonzi, Harare city health director, told journalists that a woman patient was quarantined at the hospital, but declined to disclose her identity and origin.
“We did malaria rapid tests and she tested positive for malaria.
“It’s unlikely that it’s Ebola, but the patient will remain in isolation. Specimens will be sent to South Africa today (Thursday). The hospital will open if the case tests negative. The patient has a history of travelling to DRC Lubumbashi.”
The health director said the patient had been under surveillance for the past 21 days, but was vomiting and had a nose bleed, which were some of the symptoms of Ebola.
Zimbabwe has no laboratory that can test for Ebola. Its public health system is heavily dependent on South Africa for many drugs, equipment except basic laboratory services.
Currently immigration officials at the main international airport in Harare check passports and travel documents before processing visitors and returning residents to find out if any had been in West Africa recently.