30 July 2012 Last updated at 11:40 ET
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni
has urged people to avoid physical contact, after the deadly Ebola virus claimed
one life in the capital, Kampala.
Fourteen people have now died since the outbreak began in western Uganda
three weeks ago, he said in a broadcast.
There have been no confirmed cases of infection as yet in Kampala.
Ebola, one of the most virulent diseases in the world, is spread by close
personal contact and can kill up to 90% of those who become infected.
Mr Museveni said health officials were trying to trace everyone who had had
contact with victims so that they could be quarantined.
People should avoid shaking hands, kissing or having sex to prevent the
disease from spreading, he added.
Mr Museveni said relatives and friends should not bury anyone who is
suspected to have died of Ebola.
"Instead call health workers because they know how to do it," he
said.
Shocked
Mr Museveni said seven doctors and 13 health workers at Mulago hospital - the
main referral hospital in Kampala - were in quarantine after "at least one or
two cases" were taken there from Kibaale district, about 170km (100 miles) west
of Kampala.
One victim - a health worker who had been transferred to the capital - later
died.
"I wish you good luck, and may God rest the souls of those who died in
eternal peace," Mr Museveni said as he ended his address to the nation.
The BBC's Ignatius Bahizi in Kampala says that some people have not yet heard
about the latest outbreak of Ebola and are shocked when they find out.
At a bus station in the city centre, our correspondent saw officials warning
passengers about the virus and telling them to avoid physical contact.
The first victim of the latest outbreak was a pregnant woman.
It then spread at a funeral, Mr Museveni said...
. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19048998