EBOLA DEATHS NOW AT 21: MINISTRY OF HEALTH REVEALS

 

Over 21 people have so far died from the rare Sudan Strain of Ebola. According to the Ministry of Health Spokesperson, the cumulative cases stand at 34 (16 of these have been confirmed and 18 are probable)

Of the cases reported outside Mubende: 3 have been found in Kyegegwa and 1 in Kassanda. There are no confirmed cases in Kampala as of yet.

The same report puts the Cumulative deaths at 21 (4 confirmed, 17 probable)

According to the Kampala Capital City Authority, the results of tests on a suspected Ebola death in the city are expected today but there are no deaths reported by press time.

Health authorities have reported that samples from suspected cases are being analyzed at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. 

The ministry has pleaded with citizens to adhere to preventive measures and report any suspected cases to nearby health facilities or authorities.

Districts, where confirmed and suspected cases have been reported, include Kassanda, Kampala, Kisoro, Kakumiro, Mubende, Kyegegwa, and Lyantonde. 

Uganda last reported an outbreak of the Ebola Sudan strain in 2012. The strain is less transmissible than Ebola Zaire, Patrick Otim, an epidemiologist with the WHO in Africa, said at a briefing, adding that the strain had a lower fatality rate in previous outbreaks.

However, Otim said the Sudan strain posed a greater threat because the world did not yet have a vaccine for it, as it has with the Zaire strain.

According to the  Ministry, Ebola is transmitted through contact with the blood, stool, or fluids of an infected person and objects that have been contaminated with body fluids from an infected person.

One can also contract the disease through contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats and other wild animals.

The known symptoms of Ebola include high body temperatures, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and yellowing of the eyes. According to the Health Ministry, bleeding is usually a late presentation after the above symptoms.

The only way to prevent contracting Ebola is to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of people infected with the disease. To do this one should wear gloves and goggles while dealing with a patient who may be contagious with the Ebola virus. They should also strictly follow all guidelines given by health professionals while dealing with any patient who is suspected of having Ebola.