U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda
Emergency Message for U.S.
Citizens
Confirmed Case of Ebola Virus in
Uganda
July 28, 2012
This Emergency Message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in
Uganda of an outbreak of Ebola virus. On July 27, 2012, local Ugandan press
reported 12 deaths due to a “strange illness.” Laboratory tests
conducted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the United States Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed, to date, that at least
one victim was infected with the Ebola virus (Sudan strain).
The Ugandan Ministry of Health, U.S. CDC, and international partners
are investigating the case to determine the extent of the outbreak and if
additional cases are present. At this time, the cases appear to be centered in
Nyamarunda Sub County, Kibaale district, although one suspected victim is
reported to have traveled to Kampala for treatment at Mulago Hospital where he
subsequently died on July 22, 2012.
Ebola is a deadly but preventable disease. The virus has the potential to
spread from person to person, especially among health-care staff and family
members who care for patients with Ebola Viral Hemorrhagic Fever.
A person suffering from Ebola usually presents with sudden fever,
headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by
diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. A rash, red eyes, hiccups and internal and
external bleeding may be seen in some patients. Symptoms become increasingly
severe and may include jaundice, severe weight loss, mental confusion, shock,
and multi-organ failure. There is no standard treatment for Ebola HF. Patients
receive supportive therapy.
The likelihood of contracting Ebola is considered extremely low unless there
has been a direct contact with body fluids like saliva, urine, or blood of an
infected person or animal or the body of someone who has died from the disease.
Since the virus spreads through direct contact with blood and other body
secretions of an infected person, people living with and caring for Ebola
patients are at a higher risk of becoming infected.
The U.S. Mission in Kampala and the CDC office in Uganda recommend that U.S.
citizens residing and traveling in Uganda avoid contact with people exhibiting
the symptoms described above. To minimize the risk of contracting Ebola, avoid
direct contact with body fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and stool).
Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands carefully and thoroughly with soap
and water, or with alcohol-based hand cleanser if soap and water are
unavailable. Avoid communal washing of hands during funerals or other public
gatherings. Avoid contact with dead animals, especially primates, and refrain
from eating “bushmeat.”
The CDC has additional information on protecting yourself from Ebola viral
hemorrhagic fever available at the following websites, and you are encouraged to
read this information:
• Main resource page: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola.htm
•
Guidance for U.S. citizens living abroad: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola/abroad.htm
• Additional information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola/qa.htm
The
U.S. Embassy in Kampala encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP) for the most up-to-date safety and security
information. Keep all of your information in STEP up-to-date by maintaining your
current phone numbers and email addresses where you can be reached in case of an
emergency.
You can stay in touch and get updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Kampala
website. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's
Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide
Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as
well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler IPhone App for travel
information at your fingertips. Current information on safety and security can
also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a
regular toll line at-1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These
numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road. Contact information for
the U.S. Embassy in Kampala is: phone number +256 (0) (414) 306 001 or +256 (0)
(414) 259 791, fax +256 (0) (414) 258 451, and email KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov.
http://kampala.usembassy.gov/emergency_07282012.html