As Uganda battles to contain an outbreak initially declared on January 30, the Ministry of Health has again reported six additional Ebola cases, increasing the total to nine.
On Monday night, Dr. Charles Olaro, the interim director-general of Health Services, announced the unfortunate passing of the first patient, known as the index case, due to the illness. The other eight confirmed cases are reportedly stable and are currently receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital (seven patients) and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (one patient).
265 People Quarantined In Uganda
In response to the outbreak, Dr. Olaro stated, “The Ministry of Health has quarantined 265 contacts and put in place rigorous follow-up measures. To prevent further spread of the virus, we have enhanced surveillance, intensified public health communication, and bolstered community engagement efforts.”
Read Also: MonkeyPox: Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention
Reiterating assurances from other ministry officials, Dr. Olaro stated that “the situation is under control, and the country remains safe with no travel restrictions.” He advised the public to remain vigilant and report anyone displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility or by contacting the Ministry of Health’s toll-free line: 0800-100-066.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, explained that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or fluids of an infected person, whether living or deceased. She also noted that touching objects contaminated with body fluids of an infected person is another mode of transmission. Furthermore, the disease can be contracted through contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other body fluids of infected animals, such as fruit bats and other wild animals.
Following the outbreak of the disease in the Mubende District, the Ministry of Health has urged residents to report any suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facilities for assessment.
Symptoms Of Ebola
Common symptoms of Ebola include high body temperature, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and yellowing of the eyes. Bleeding is typically a late-stage symptom, according to the Ministry of Health.
Last week, Uganda initiated a trial of a vaccine against the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization is collaborating with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and the Makerere University Lung Institute on the trial. The Sudan Ebola virus has a mortality rate of at least 40 percent among those infected.
Source: The EastAfrican
This is very serious
Big o!!!! big family
Obease 3y3