Rwanda Govt on high alert as Marburg Virus is reported in Uganda

06

Oct

Following reports of an outbreak of the deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever in neighbouring Uganda, officials from the Ministry of Health yesterday said they are going to monitor the evolution of the virus spread before they could issue a public alert.

A Rwandan medical official screens travellers crossing into Rwanda from DR Congo for Ebola. The country is on high alert as Marburg, an Ebola-like disease is confirmed in Uganda. (File)

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, Nathan Mugume, the head of the communication division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, said: “In such a situation, we strengthen border surveillance and work with neighbouring countries to monitor how the virus is scaling up.”
Marburg is a severe and highly fatal disease caused by a virus from the same family as one that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever. According to the World Health Organisation, the illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with severe headache and malaise.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni confirmed the outbreak on his Twitter account yesterday evening.
He wrote; “The Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Marburg death. Stay calm but vigilant.
Avoid shaking hands and cooperate with health workers. I have directed the ministry to immediately send out public alerts and provide as much information to the people as possible. Do cooperate.”...http://in2eastafrica.net/govt-on-high-alert-as-marburg-virus-is-reported-in-uganda/