By CGTN's Jerry Owilli

African countries have heightened surveillance against the deadly Ebola virus following reports of a fresh outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Four people are thought to have died from the virus in DR Congo, with 37 cases reported.

In response, Rwanda has set up temperature screening spots along its border with DR Congo, where anyone entering the country will have to be checked for symptoms.

Uganda has reactivated its National Health Task Force, with health workers in the country’s western border districts put on alert to monitor people coming in from DR Congo.

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"We have written to all District Health Officers to increase surveillance, raise public awareness and alert people about the Ebola outbreak," Xinhua reported Uganda’s health minister saying.

In Ghana, health services on Friday issued an alert on Ebola, calling on regional directors to be prepared.

A statement issued by the head of the Ghana Health Service asked the directors to strengthen their surveillance for early detection and response, update preparedness and response plans and ensure the availability of holding places.

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Kenya’s Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health said the government had reactivated rapid response teams for surveillance and response to travelers with elevated body temperatures and asymptomatic cases with a history of travel from DR Congo.

Neighboring Tanzania dispatched a team of medical experts to six regions in an effort to improve detection and education on Ebola.

Other countries have also taken measures against the Ebola virus including Zambia and Nigeria.

The virus causes fever, bleeding, vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads easily through bodily fluids and can kill more than 50 percent of its victims.