Kampala, Uganda-Emergency Message to U.S. Citizens

Emergency Message to U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda
Emergency Message to U.S. Citizens
Ebola Outbreak in Uganda

November 16, 2012

This Emergency Message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Uganda of an outbreak of Ebola virus.  On November 15, 2012, the Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed 2 cases of Ebola Viral Hemorrhagic Fever in Luwero District.  Local media also reported on November 16 that a person in contact with one of the confirmed Ebola cases traveled to the Busoga region.  The Ugandan Ministry of Health, U.S. Centers  for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and international partners are investigating these cases to determine the extent of the outbreak and if additional cases are present.

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.

Over the past few months, the Government of Uganda has announced several different outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers, including current advisories regarding Ebola and Marburg.  The Embassy advises all American citizens to be aware of the potential of an outbreak in Uganda and to always follow health guidelines to minimize risk or exposure.  To obtain Travel Notices from the CDC, visit the CDC's website athttp://www.cdc.gov/travel or call the CDC at 1-404-639-3534 if dialing from overseas, or at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) if dialing from within the United States. 

For specific information on protecting yourself from Ebola viral hemorrhagic fever, the CDC has 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  http://kampala.usembassy.gov/em_11162012.html