The Government of Uganda would like to assure the public that the recent outbreak of the Ebola Virus (Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever) in the district of Kibaale, Western Uganda is under control and all necessary steps to treat the infected patients as well as control the outbreak are being taken.
As has been already reported the outbreak was first confirmed by the Ugandan Virus Research Institute in Entebbe, Uganda. This speedy confirmation was enabled by the recent acquisition of specialist diagnostic equipment. Immediately upon confirmation of the outbreak the Ministry of Health contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Ministry is now working tirelessly with the WHO and CDC in order to tackle this outbreak. Response plans at the national and district levels have been finalized and a national task force coordinated by the Ministry of Health has been re-activated. In Kibaale, the affected district, a task force has been formed to better coordinate the field response. The neighboring districts have been put on high alert about the outbreak and asked to step up surveillance of all illnesses suspected to be caused by the Ebola virus.
As this virus is spread by contact with bodily fluids from infected persons adherence to certain practices in infected areas can altogether eliminate the threat. Those living in the infected area have been asked to refrain from any unnecessary bodily contact and steps have been taken to ensure that:
· All patients infected or suspected to have been infected by the disease are being treated in a specially designed isolation ward;
· All medical workers in contact with those infected or suspected to have been infected are properly equipped with necessary supplies and personal protective gear;
· All hospitals handling patients infected or suspected to have been infected implement strict barrier nursing procedures to eliminate the possibility of cross contamination and
· All persons suspected to have died from the virus are buried by healthcare professionals.
Adherence to these steps is being carefully monitored by the joint task force.
As a precaution, schools in the Kibaale district have been closed for summer vacation early and those who have been known to have had physical contact with persons infected by the virus or suspected to have been infected are being monitored for a 21 day period-the incubation period of the virus.
To date there have been 14 suspected deaths, three of which have been confirmed from the Ebola virus. Nine of the deceased were from the one family and a further two of the confirmed deaths are accounted for by the healthcare professional that attended on the infected family and her young child. There are 36 suspected cases of infection and these patients are receiving the highest possible care and attention.
The Ministry of Health, having been guided by the WHO and the CDC, is now confident that this minor outbreak has been contained. Indeed at all times the WHO advised that trade and tourism remain unrestricted in Uganda. Nonetheless the Ministry of Health shall continue to be vigilant and shall monitor the situation carefully taking all necessary precautions. http://www.mofa.go.ug/index.php
