The Ministry of Health of Uganda has reported two new cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Kampala, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Uganda to nine (9), including one death.
Dr Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry, said in statement on Friday the confirmed cases are Congolese nationals.
He said the first one is an individual who presented with symptoms consistent with Ebola.
“Our rapid response teams acted swiftly to isolate the patient as soon as symptoms were noted. All contacts of this new confirmed case have been identified and are under close follow up,” he stated.
“The second case is a contact to a previously confirmed case,” he added.
Dr Olaro appealed to the public to be vigilant and report suspected Ebola cases.
“The public is reminded of the following Ebola symptoms: sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding,” the Ministry said.
“If you or someone you know has these symptoms, call our toll-free number immediately. When an individual reports early, the chances of survival are high,” the Ministry added.
To report a suspected case of Ebola, call the Ministry of Health hotline immediately on 0800-100-066 or send an alert SMS on 6767 or U-Report on 8500.
What Uganda has done to curb Ebola
Closed border with DR Congo
Put restrictions on public gatherings within Uganda
Enhanced awareness and community engagement on Ebola prevention
Established isolation/quarantine centers
Enhanced contact tracing and isolation of contacts
How Ebola spreads
Blood of infected person
Urine
saliva
faeces
Sweat
Vomit
Unsterilised equipment used by an infected person
Soiled clothing of an infected person
Handling wildlife whether alive or dead (especially bats and monkeys)
Prevention
· Avoid physical contact with anyone showing the Ebola symptoms
· Practice hand washing and maintain good hand hygiene at all times
· Avoid contact with body fluids that include urine, blood, sweat, saliva, vomitus, and stool
· seek appropriate health care services immediately when you experience Ebola-like symptoms
· Handling and burial of dead bodies of suspected Ebola patients should be supervised by the health team
· All public places should institute hand-washing facilities at their premises.