Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak in Kampala, One Person Dies – Reuters Reports
Uganda has confirmed that the deadly Ebola virus has broken out in its capital, Kampala, after a male nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital died from the disease, according to Reuters.
The country’s health ministry announced on Thursday that the man, who had been feeling sick, sought treatment at multiple places, including Mulago hospital and a traditional healer. Unfortunately, he did not survive.
Reuters explains that this is Uganda’s ninth Ebola outbreak since the first case was recorded in 2000. The government has now identified 44 people who were in contact with the patient, including 30 health workers, and they are being monitored to stop further spread. However, tracing these people may be difficult because Kampala is a busy city with over 4 million people and serves as a major transport hub for South Sudan, Congo, Rwanda, and other countries.
According to Reuters, Ebola is a very dangerous disease that spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, like blood and saliva. People with Ebola may have symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, vomiting blood, and bleeding.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is taking quick action and has set aside $1 million to help Uganda fight the outbreak, Reuters reports.
WHO is also working with scientists to send out trial vaccines ,though no fully approved vaccine yet exists for this specific strain, known as the Sudan Ebola Virus.
Reuters highlights that Uganda has experience in handling Ebola outbreaks, using skills such as testing, patient care, and contact tracing.
In the last outbreak, which ended in January 2023, 55 out of 143 infected people died. The country will now begin vaccinating all contacts of the deceased man.
Uganda’s health ministry is also paying close attention to its neighbors. Reuters notes that Tanzania, which shares a border with Uganda, recently reported an outbreak of Marburg virus, a disease similar to Ebola. Meanwhile, Rwanda just finished dealing with its own Marburg outbreak, and Congo frequently experiences Ebola cases.
With Ebola now confirmed in Kampala, Uganda faces a tough challenge ahead.
However, Reuters suggests that the country’s past experience in controlling the virus could help limit its spread quickly.
Credit : Reuters