Uganda Ebola Outbreak: Government heightens alert as refugees arrive from D.R. CONGO

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Uganda has heightened its Ebola alert following an influx of refugees fleeing fresh violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our correspondent Hillary Ayesiga reports from Kasese, Western Uganda.

A jab against Ebola at Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. And it's proving effective according to the World Health Organization.

MATSHIDISO MOETI AFRICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR, WHO "We appreciate the investment."

Earlier this month, Uganda declared its first Ebola cases in the town of Kasese bordering with the DRC. Two people died. Several who were in contact with the victims have also been treated. Thousands of health workers have been protected.

JANE RUTH ACENG UGANDAN HEALTH MINISTER "We have over, now coming to about 5500 people in Uganda vaccinated. Front line health workers and other workers including community people."

HILLARY AYESIGA KASESE, UGANDA "With this mobile laboratory kit and vaccines, health workers here say they are able to respond to emergencies on time."

But they could be overwhelmed with new arrivals from DRC. New figures from the UN refugee agency show that over 7500 refugees have crossed into Uganda because of ethnic clashes in Ituri Province north Eastern parts of the DRC Ugandan health authorities are not letting the guard down yet on their Ebola fight.

JANE RUTH ACENG UGANDAN HEALTH MINISTER "So as of now we remain on high alert and in a response mode. So our Ebola Treatment units will not close, the points of entry will continue screening people. We will continue with our risk communication and sensitizing the population and also remain on standby for any eventualities."

The disease has so far killed over 1500 people in DRC. And health experts say until the DRC is declared Ebola free, Uganda is not safe. But as these health workers at the border increase the dosage, it's hoped the disease can be defeated. HILLARY AYESIGA, CGTN KASESE WESTERN UGANDA.