Ebola outbreak: Uganda confirms nine cases

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reported six new cases of Ebola as the country struggles to contain the new outbreak that was first announced on January 30.

In a statement on Monday evening, Dr Charles Olaro, the acting director-general of Health Services, said the total number of cases had risen to nine from the three cases reported last week.

“Unfortunately, the first case, also known as the index case, succumbed to the disease. The remaining eight confirmed cases are currently receiving medical care and are in stable condition. Of these, seven patients are being treated at Mulago National Referral Hospital, while one patient is at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital,” he said.

“In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has placed 265 contacts under quarantine and strict follow-up measures. To contain the spread of the virus, the ministry has heightened surveillance efforts, intensified public health risk communication, and strengthened community engagement efforts.”

Echoing other ministry officials, Dr Olaro said “the situation is under control, and the country remains safe with no travel restrictions.”

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility or contact the Ministry of Health's toll-free line: 0800-100-066,” he advised.

Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, earlier said that the disease is transmitted through the blood or fluids of an infected person.

"Human-to-human transmission of Ebola occurs via direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person or a person who died of the disease. Touching objects contaminated with body fluids of an infected person is another way it is transmitted," she said.

Dr Atwine added that the disease can also 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 Mubende District, the Ministry of Health has urged residents to report suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facilities for assessment.

Known symptoms of Ebola include high body temperature, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding and yellowing of the eyes. Bleeding is usually a late symptom, according to the Ministry of Health.

Last week, Uganda launched a trial of a vaccine against the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization is working with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the Makerere University Lung Institute on the trial. The Sudan Ebola virus kills at least 40 percent of those infected.