·

Ebola virus disease spreads to Uganda

ebola-virus-disease-spreads-to-uganda

The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed a case of Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda. Although there have been numerous previous alerts, this is the first confirmed case in Uganda during the Ebola outbreak on-going in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO reports.

The confirmed case is a 5-year-old child from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who traveled with his family on June 9, 2019. The child and his family entered the country through Bwera Border post and sought medical care at Kagando hospital where health workers identified Ebola as a possible cause of illness. The child was transferred to Bwera Ebola Treatment Unit for management.

The confirmation was made June 11 by the Uganda Virus Institute (UVRI). The child is under care and receiving supportive treatment at Bwera ETU, and contacts are being monitored.

The child was traveling with 4 other family members who are also ill and have been tested for Ebola. While the tests are still pending, 'the news will likely increase pressure on the WHO to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern,' said Helen Branswell, senior writer, infectious diseases and global health for Stat.

In response to this case, the Ministry is intensifying community education, psychosocial support and will undertake vaccination for those who have come into contact with the patient and at-risk health workers who were not previously vaccinated.

There are no confirmed cases in any other parts of the country.

Ebola virus disease is a severe illness that is spread through contact with the body fluids of a person sick with the disease (fluids such as vomit, feces or blood). First symptoms are similar to other diseases and thus require vigilant health and community workers, especially in areas where there is Ebola transmission, to help make diagnosis. Symptoms can be sudden and include: fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.

Since the beginning of the current outbreak in August 2018 in the Democratic Rebulic of Congo, the accumulated number of cases is 2 071, including 1 977 confirmed and 94 probable (as of June 10, 2019).

In total, there were 1 396 deaths (1 302 confirmed and 94 probable) and 575 people cured.

There are currently 284 suspected cases under investigation.

This is the world's second deadliest Ebola outbreak after more than 11 300 people died in West Africa in 2014 – 16.

Featured image credit: CDC

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

5 Comments

  1. Is it really such a long shot that relatively inexpensive herbal based anti-pathogenic distilled oils (Oregano oil is a good one, for example) could be helpful. There is plenty of expertise and anecdotal evidence in this line of fighting viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and by my own experience they can/are very effective. As soon as the volatile component of these oils enter the bloodstream they immediately begin to destroy the pathogens as they reach them ie throughout the body.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *