Two new Ebola deaths as patients go on strike

Security personnel and Kagadi hospital staff sit outside the facility on Tuesday after patients protested. Photo by Ronald Tumusiime

By Ronald Tumusiime, Francis Mugerwa, Ruth Katusabe & Agatha Ayebazibwe (email the author)

     Thursday, August 2 2012 at 01:00
The health ministry has announced that two more people died on Tuesday evening of Ebola as reports emerged that patients with the haemorrhagic fever at Kagadi Hospital had gone on strike.

According to a statement from the ministry, signed by Dr Dennis Lwamafa, the two deaths, recorded at Kagadi Hospital in Kibaale District, brings the total number of dead to 16 since the onset of the outbreak in July.

The ministry added that of the patients at Kagadi, two have been confirmed to have Ebola while 16 are under watch as results of tests done on them are awaited from the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe.

The statement indicated that another 14 samples were on Tuesday taken to Entebbe for study, bringing the total number of samples collected since the outbreak to 30. It added that the ministry is actively following up 176 people who came into contact with the dead or the sick and also asked the public to be vigilant but avoid creating fear. But even as the ministry grapples with figures, Daily Monitor has learnt that it took the intervention of the police to quell patients at the Kagadi isolation facility who were protesting alleged neglect on Tuesday. 

The patients, complaining about shortage of food and clean water, reportedly stormed out of the isolation facility in the afternoon, sending health workers scampering.

“Why have you dumped us here without food since Saturday?” yelled one patient, but to no one in particular since the health workers had taken off—fearing physical contact with the patients.

It was not until the deputy RDC, Ms Olivia Kiiza, turned up with two police officers that calm was restored. “Madam please let us go back to our homes because we have no food here,” a patient pleaded with Ms Kiiza. “We just depend in biscuits and Splash (fruit juice).”

In protective gear, Ms Kiiza appealed for calm, promising the patients support. “The patients were serious about going back home,” she told Daily Monitor. “They said they lacked food and no doctor was attending to them. We are asking all well-wishers especially Civil Society Organisations to come to our rescue and donate food.”

The patients’ frustration has also been echoed by the local taskforce set up to monitor and report the outbreak.
Mr Stephen Mfashingabo, the Kibaale District health secretary, who also doubles as the vice chair of the Ebola taskforce, said their reports to Kampala were going unheeded.
The health minister should desist from making press statements in Kampala. Let them come here and see how the situation is worsening,” he said. “The government has not facilitated doctors to handle this epidemic effectively. The health workers are few and the drug supplies are insufficient.”

Govt response
Last evening, the ministry spokesperson, Ms Rukia Nakamatte, said they would write to the Prime Minister’s office asking for food supplies since they had only received the report of shortages yesterday.

“About doctors, the World Health Organisation has sent a team of nine experts who should be at Kagadi Hospital this (yesterday) evening. On protective gear, we hope to get more supplies by Friday to supplement the few we have now.”
Meanwhile, in a bid to stem the spread of the disease, both Kibaale and Kabarole districts have banned social gatherings like weddings and crusades.
Kibaale chairperson George Namyaka said even markets would be closed until the outbreak is contained.

“This is a preventative measure to minimise new infections,” he said yesterday. Mr Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole District chairman, said they placed the ban because they are close to Kibaale and also border districts like Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa where suspicious cases have been reported.
The district, in preparation for any eventualities, has set up an isolation unit at Kitaraka Health Centre IV in East Division of Fort Portal Municipality.

Dr Charles Olaro, the medical superintendent at Fort Portal hospital, said they chose Kitaraka because it is near the Kyenjojo-Fort Portal Road and would be accessible by nearby districts.

The outbreak has also affected the transport sector with taxi operators noting a decline in passengers visiting the region. Mr Mathias Musoke, a transporter, said fewer people were boarding taxis to Kibaale District from the neighbouring towns, adding: “People even don’t trust us with their goods in fear of being infected.”

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Two+new+Ebola+deaths+as+patients+go+on+strike/-/688334/1468876/-/item/0/-/hadkgn/-/index.html

CDC Outbreak Notice Ebola in Uganda

This information is current as of today, August 01, 2012 at 16:45 EDT

Released: August 01, 2012

What Is the Current Situation?

The Ugandan Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported an outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in the Kibaale District of western Uganda. As of July 31, there have been 38 cases and 16 deaths. Five cases have been laboratory confirmed.

What Is Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever?

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola HF) is a rare and deadly disease. The disease is native to several African countries and is caused by the Ebola virus. It is spread by direct contact with blood and/or body fluids of a person infected with Ebola virus. It is also spread by contact with a contaminated object or infected animal.
Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Skin rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients.

How Can Travelers Protect Themselves?

There is no vaccine for Ebola and no specific treatment. Although travelers are at low risk for the disease, it is important to take steps to prevent Ebola HF.

• Practice good hygiene. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of infected people. Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
• Avoid contact with animals.
• Seek medical care if you develop fever, headache, achiness, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes.
• Health care workers who may be exposed to people with the disease should follow these steps:
  • Wear protective clothing, including masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles.
  • Practice proper infection control and sterilization measures. For more information, see “Infection Control for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers in the African Health Care Setting.”
  • Isolate Ebola HF patients from unprotected persons. Also avoid direct contact with infected deceased patients.

Clinician Information:

Ebola is a notifiable condition in the United States. Diagnosing Ebola HF in a person who has been infected only a few days is difficult because early symptoms, such as red eyes and a skin rash, are nonspecific to the virus and are seen in patients with other diseases that occur much more frequently. However, if a person has the symptoms described above, and infection with Ebola virus is suspected, isolate the patient and notify local and state health departments and CDC.
Antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing, IgM ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and virus isolation can be used to diagnose a case of Ebola HF within a few days of the onset of symptoms. Persons tested later in the course of the disease or after recovery can be tested for IgM and IgG antibodies; the disease can also be diagnosed retrospectively in deceased patients by using immunohistochemistry testing, virus isolation, or PCR.
There is no standard treatment for Ebola HF. Patients receive supportive therapy that consists of balancing the patient’s fluids and electrolytes, maintaining their oxygen status and blood pressure, and treating them for any complicating infections.

Additional Information:

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (CDC Viral Special Pathogens Branch)
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (CDC Yellow Book)http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/outbreak-notice/ebola-uganda-2012.htm

Uganda #Ebola on rise‎

Uganda Ebola on rise‎

Video

The new cases bring the cumulative total of those infected to 33, including 16 who have died since the outbreak of Ebola virus.

Health officials have so far tracked down 176 contacts that are being followed up on a daily basis to ensure that any developing Ebola signs are treated immediately According to health officials, 16 samples have been collected by the team of experts in western Uganda from people suspected of having the disease for analysis while surveillance continues.

Seven doctors who were attending to a clinical officer with the Ebola virus and other members of staff have been withdrawn from service and are being monitored by health officials.

According to the country’s commissioner for health services, the doctors and members of staff who have been withdrawn from service will be kept out for twenty one days to allow medical experts monitor their biological patterns.

The Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has in a matter of national emergency warned all Ugandans to guard against promiscuity and body contact as one of the ways experts believe the Ebola virus spreads from one person to another.

Doctors across the country are increasingly getting worried about the fast spreading hemorrhagic Ebola virus as the death toll rises to 16 in just one week
Doctors without borders have already arrived in the country to help the team of experts from W.H.O in the west of the country to contain the outbreak.http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/08/01/253943/uganda-ebola-on-rise/

South Sudan steps up #Ebola surveillance

South Sudan steps up Ebola surveillance

Tuesday, 31 July 2012 08:03    

 

The South Sudan's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that they were stepping up surveillance following an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in neighboring Uganda.

Michael Milly Hussein, the Minister of Health, said health personnel in all the ten states have been provided with protective gear and have been put on alert to report any possible cases.
"South Sudan and Uganda share a lot in terms of population movement and trade. People's movement from one place to another is likely to cause the importation of the disease in either two countries. The ministry of health is working closely with all the states surveillance officers to ensure that all suspected cases are detected in ... http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/south-sudan-news/9140-south-sudan-steps-up-surveillance-over-ebola

Tanzania warns citizens of #Ebola virus risk

August 01, 2012

The Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged citizens to take precautions following the deaths of at least 25 people from the Ebola virus in Uganda, Tanzania's Daily News reported Wednesday (August 1st).

"The people are advised not to panic, as so far we have not received any case within our borders. We advise them to report to a nearby health centre in case they come across anyone with Ebola symptoms," a statement from the ministry's acting permanent secretary Regina Kikuli said.

She said the Mara, Mwanza, Kagera, Kigoma and Rukwa regions should be on high alert.

Kikuli reassured Tanzanians that protective measures have been taken, including issuing directives on diagnosing the disease to regional health professionals and distributing protective clothing to doctors for use in cases of suspected Ebola.

Kenya issued similar instructions to medical officials earlier this week and also appealed for citizens to remain calmhttp://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/08/01/newsbrief-06



This

#Ebola Scare In Kenya

This video says he had a tooth pulled.. mentioned in the story
I guess that could make blood run in the urine and feces if you swallow a gallon of it.. Or he could have eaten some snake bit goat meat .. or got beat real bad in a fight at the bar..by his girlfriend

 1 Aug 2012 22:25

A Kenyan man from Siaya County has been isolated after he was seen to exhibit Ebola symptoms. This comes as the cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever rise to 36 in Uganda’s Kibaale district. Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has called on his people to remain calm, here in Kenya health officials are on high alert especially at the Kenya-Uganda border where intensive screening exercises are taking place.
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktn/?videoID=2000059438

WHO-Ebola Outbreak in Uganda, as of 01 August 2012

 On 24 July 2012, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Uganda notified WHO of an outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever from Kibaale district, midwestern Uganda. The first case belonged to a family in Nyanswiga village in Nyamarunda sub-county in Kibaale district.

As of 31 July, 2012, a total of 38 cumulative cases, including 16 deaths have been reported. Laboratory investigations conducted at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda, confirmed Ebola virus.

The Ministry of Health, Uganda has activated the National Task Force that is meeting daily to review progress and also provide daily media briefs. The Kibaale district Ebola Task Force has also been formed to better coordinate field response. The neighboring districts have been put on high alert about the outbreak and to step up surveillance.



A team of experts from MoH, WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MSF Spain, MSF Holland, Red Cross is in Kibaale to support the response operations. All possible contacts that were exposed to the suspected and confirmed cases are being identified for active follow up. The necessary supplies and logistics required for supportive management of patients are being mobilized.



Kibaale hospital has established an isolation ward for suspected, probable and confirmed cases. Currently, there are 18 cases admitted on the isolation ward. Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) Holland has mobilized resources for setting up an isolation centre at the hospital. Although the MoH and Mulago Hospital have mobilized some staff to manage the isolation centre, more are urgently needed.

WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health response to the outbreak. To date, WHO has deployed epidemiologists and provided essential equipment for personal protection and safe disposal of bodies. Additional experts that will arrive in the next 48 hours include a logistician and an epidemiologist.

Control activities already in place are active case finding and contact tracing, enhanced surveillance and reinforcing infection control practices case management, social mobilization and coordination meetings.

WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Uganda.

http://www.afro.who.int/en/clusters-a-programmes/dpc/epidemic-a-pandemic-alert-and-response/outbreak-news/3647-ebola-outbreak-in-uganda-as-of-01-august-2012.html

PRESS RELEASE ON THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF THE EBOLA VIRUS IN KIBAALE, WESTERN UGANDA

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

Two Ebola patients dead, as more people are admitted in Kibaale

First published: 20120801 11:21:05 AM EST

The Ministry of Health says that two more deaths were last evening recorded at Kagadi Government Hospital in Kibaale district.
The first death was a female who had earlier tested positive for Ebola while the other was a new admission in the isolation facility.
This brings the total number of dead to 16 since the onset of the outbreak that started in Nyanswiga LCI in Nyamarunda Parish of Nyamarunda sub-county, Kibaale district in July.
The Acting director General health service Dr. Dennis Rwamafa says that currently there are two confirmed cases of Ebola and 16 unconfirmed admitted at the hospital isolation facility.
The patients are receiving the appropriate treatment from the medical expert team.
A total of 14 samples were yesterday July 31^st picked from the patients admitted at the isolation facility bringing the total number of samples collected since the outbreak to 30.
The samples are currently being investigated at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe.
The Ministry of Health Surveillance team in Kibaale district is actively and closely following up to 176 people suspected to have got into contact with the dead and sick.
These contacts have not shown any signs of the disease but continue to be monitored. One more sample was picked from a patient in Mbarara district and is being tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings especially in Kibaale and neighboring districts. The Ministry of Health response team is on alert to respond to any suspect cases.
District Health Officers have been asked to reactivate their taskforces and be on alert of any suspicious disease or death. Health workers are reminded to observe the required medical measures as they attend to suspicious patients.
The Ministry assures the general public that the epidemic is being managed appropriately and will be containedhttp://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/h...ale/26543.aspx

Ebola killed 18 people in Uganda

August 1st, 2012 by Tomas Hajek

Tomas Hajek

Brno, Czech Republic, Europe

 

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Most of all ugandian newspapers write on wensday 1st of August 2012 about Ebola. Virus killed already 18 people in Uganda untill saturhday when the new outbreak anounced ugandian goverment.

Tat is the third outbreak in this country in the las decade. First causes were in Kibaale region another patients, fourteen, were moved to Mulago hospital in Kampala from Mbarara city  http://www.demotix.com/news/1365947/ebola-killed-18-people-uganda#slide-4

Emergency Coordinator for MSF Olimpia de la Rosa describes combat Ebola virus in Uganda

01.08.2012 | Uganda Ebola Interviews
Interview: "We must stop the spread of Ebola epidemic and get under control

..."Emergency Coordinator for MSF Olimpia de la Rosa describes combat Ebola virus in Uganda© Agus Morales / MSF31st July 2012 - Olimpia de la Rosa, emergency coordinator for MSF in the hospital in Kigadi in Uganda.Kigadi, 1 August 2012

 - Epidemics of Ebola virus are extremely rare, but Dr. Olimpia de la Rosa, emergency coordinator for MSF, are nothing new. When the Ebola emerged in Uganda in 2007, Dr. Rosa supported the medical team fighting the epidemic. Five years later the next crisis intervention, MSF teams and once again seek to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

What is the current situation in Uganda and how many people were infected?
Meanwhile there were 36 cases of Ebola and 14 people died. Laboratory tests have confirmed officially that it is Ebola.

Where is the epicenter of the disease?
18 patients with Ebola were admitted to hospital in Kigadi in Kibaale in western Uganda. An MSF team zahájl 31st July Kigadi crisis intervention to prevent the spread of the virus
.
They Kigadi people in fear of further spread of Ebola?
The local community is understandably very concerned, but the situation is calm and the hospital remains open. If we can prevent the spread of Ebola virus, we get the epidemic under control.

What do you think of the instructions of the President of Uganda, which advises people to limit contact with each other?
It is true that restrict direct contact with other people is a good prophylactic. But people do not spread the infection without symptoms, so people would not be afraid to walk down the street. Avoid contact with body fluids of other people is the best way to stop the epidemic, but this is really necessary only in Kigadi.

Is there a cure for Ebola?
There is still against Ebola specific treatment, but some people survive the disease. Mortality depends on the specific type of virus that may be five. This is an epidemic of Ebola Sudan-type virus, which first appeared in the Sudan in 1976. It's the most deadly variant, but the mortality still reaches 70 percent.

So how is the care of patients?
Patients require intensive supportive care. They are frequently dehydrated and in need of an infusion or oral rehydration solutions. But so far we do not know any specific treatment against Ebola. Tests with several vaccines, but their implementation may take years.

What MSF is doing to prevent the spread of the virus?
MSF's priority is to create a detection system as soon as possible to isolate and treat infected people. We have set up educational teams in communities explain the symptoms of the virus and advises how to avoid the risk of infection.

Why wear medical MSF in contact with those special suits?
Ebola is spread rapidly by direct contact with infected people or animals and can transmit blood, body fluids and clothing contact with an infected person. Therefore, wear MSF special protective suits.

When the first signs were recorded Ebola?
The epidemic was officially announced on 28th July, but the first cases had appeared on the 12th July. The first Ebola symptoms can mimic other diseases, and therefore all patients must be approached with extreme caution. The first case was probably a three-month old girl, whose mother was also ill. When the child died, the family tried to ascertain the cause, but did not find anything. Only circulated rumors of witchcraft. Funeral was attended by 65 people, 15 of whom later became ill and 11 of them had died.

Why is the epidemic of Ebola funerals so dangerous?
Ebola is highly contagious and is spread by body fluids, and funerals are therefore particularly risky - especially if they were not in contact with the body of the deceased used protective equipment. Most deaths in this epidemic are the people who attended the funeral of the girl.

Epidemic has spread to the capital Kampala?
Most cases have been identified so far in Kibaale, where MSF started its intervention.  http://www.lekari-bez-hranic.cz/cz/aktuality/2012/uganda/rozhovor-musime-zastavit-sireni-eboly.php

Kenya free of Ebola fever as yet

Written By:Judith Akolo, Posted: Wed, Aug 01,

The government has clarified that Kenya is free of the Ebola fever that has hit the Western part of Uganda in Kibaale.

Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Willis Akhwale said surveillance is still heightened at all boarder points and urged the public to remain calm but cautious whenever they suspect any case as being that of the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever.

But even as the government moved to forestall fears that the hemorrhagic fever could hit the country the public in Siaya were on the edge with fear after a patient presented Ebola like symptoms at the Siaya District Hospital.

The Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Willis Akhwale however allayed fears saying samples taken from the patient have been brought to for testing adding that preliminary investigations on the patient had ruled out Ebola since the patient did not present high fever as is usually the case with Ebola cases.

"The patient has not presented high fever but we are not taking anything to chance, we have quarantined the patient as samples are tested to ascertain the nature of illness," said Dr Willis Akhwale.

Dr. Akhwale said the government remains on high alert and has dispatched equipment and other medical gear to medics operating at the boarder points with Uganda to ensure that diagnosis of any suspected cases and screening is done effectively.

"There is no cause for alarm since of all the 25 epidemics of Ebola that have affected neighbouring countries in the last 36 years, Kenya has always remained free of the hemorrhagic fever," said Dr. Akhwale. ...

http://www.kbc.co.ke/news.asp?nid=77626

Fear of Ebola outbreak in Siaya

Fear of Ebola outbreak in Siaya

Updated 8 mins ago



There is fear that the Ebola outbreak in Uganda has spread to Kenya with Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale claiming that a case has been reported in Siaya.



Khalwale demanded a ministerial statement on the issue saying Kenyan needed to be alerted. We have received a media alert that a case of Ebola has been reported in Siaya,” the MP told parliament on Wednesday.
Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende directed the Minister for Public Health to give a statement on the issue on Thursday afternoon saying the matter of great public interest
...

At the same time the government has formed a national taskforce to respond to a possible outbreak in the country as the deadly Ebola virus continues to sweep through Uganda, raising fears of spreading to Kenya.
Director of Public Health Dr. Shahnaaz Sharrif announced the taskforce on Wednesday saying that all health workers in the country have been put on high alert.

“The Taskforce will monitor the situation and advise the government on Ebola. Similar committees have been formed at the border districts with Uganda,” he said.
In a raft of measures meant to secure the country and reassure a jittery public scared over the possible spread of the hemorrhagic disease, Dr. Sharriff said that relevant labs at the Kenya Institute of Medical research (KEMRI) have been made ready or rapid Ebola tests.
“All facilities have been provided with contingency drugs and isolation facilities have been set up in high risk facilities,” he said.
However the Ministry is against mass screenings of travellers crossing over from Uganda saying they will only focus on a massive public campaign to ensure those with Ebola symptoms report urgently for medical examination.
“Surveillance at the ports of entry has been strengthened and any suspected cases are being handled accordingly,” he said.
He added: “The government is conducting sensitisation trainings of the health workers in high-risk facilities. The trainings involve surveillance, case investigation, management and infection prevention and control.”
A statement from the Ministry indicated that personal protective equipment have been sent out to all health facilities in high risk of Ebola, with more of the same being procured by the government... http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?arti...break-in-Siaya

Panic as Siaya man exhibits Ebola symptoms

Posted by CATHERINE KARONGO on August 1, 2012

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 1 – Anxiety has gripped Siaya residents after a 27-year-old man was admitted to hospital with symptoms of the deadly Ebola virus.

The man, who was immediately put in a solitary ward in Siaya District Hospital, was admitted Wednesday morning with excessive blood oozing from his gums.

“He is also passing bloody urine,” said Siaya Medical Superintendent Jacktone Omoto who said that was a symptom associated with the haemorrhagic fever.

Omoto said the patient’s blood sample was sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Siaya for testing and the results are expected on Friday at the earliest.

Director of Public Health Shahnaaz Sharif has in the meantime called for calm as the country awaits the results of the tests.

“Don’t panic, I will let you know when we have a case,” he said.



On Monday, the government put on high alert Provincial Directors of Health and District Medical Officers in Western, Nyanza and Rift valley which border Uganda over the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease.

Public Health Minister Beth Mugo is expected to give a ministerial statement on the specific measures the government has taken since the outbreak was reported in neighbouring Uganda about three weeks ago.

“Mr Speaker I would like her to clarify if she is aware that the disease took a mere three weeks to move from Western Uganda to Kampala which is at the centre of the town and that it is quite possible that it might take a similar period or even a shorter period for it to come to the Eastern part of Uganda and therefore Kenya,” Ikolomani Member of Parliament Boni Khalwale said when he asked for the Ministerial statement...

http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2012/08/panic-as-siaya-man-exhibits-ebola-symptoms/
 t it might take a similar period or even a shorter period for it to come to the Eastern part of Uganda and therefore Kenya,” Ikolomani Member of Parliament Boni Khalwale said when he asked for the Ministerial statement...

http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2012/08/panic-as-siaya-man-exhibits-ebola-symptoms/

Breaking: Ebola Death Toll Rises, 176 New Infections Suspected

Breaking: Ebola Death Toll Rises, 176 New Infections Suspected

The Ministry of Health has Wednesday confirmed what appeared in the international media last night that two more Ebola victims had passed away at Kagadi Government Hospital in Kibaale district.

The first death was a female who had earlier tested positive for Ebola while the other was a new admission in the isolation facility. This brings the total number of dead to 16 since the onset of the outbreak that stared in Nyanswiga LCI in Nyamarunda Parish of Nyamarunda sub-county, Kibaale district in July,” said General Health Services Director Dr K Lwamafa.
Currently, there are two confirmed cases of Ebola and 16 unconfirmed admitted at the hospital isolation facility.
“The patients are receiving the appropriate treatment from the medical expert team.
A total of 14 samples were yesterday July 31st picked from the patients admitted at the isolation facility, bringing the total number of samples collected since the outbreak to 30. The samples are currently being investigated at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe,” added Lwamafa.
“The Ministry of Health Surveillance team in Kibaale district is actively and closely following up to 176 people suspected to have got into contact with the dead and sick. These contacts have not shown any signs of the disease but continue to be monitored,” he further noted. One more sample was picked from a patient in Mbarara district and is being tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe.
“The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings especially in Kibaale and neighbouring districts. The Ministry of Health response team is on alert to respond to any suspect cases,” cautioned Lwamafa.
District Health Officers have been asked to reactivate their taskforces and be on alert of any suspicious disease or death.
Health workers are reminded to observe the required medical measures as they attend to suspicious patients.
“The Ministry assures the general public that the epidemic is being managed appropriately and will be contained. The public should continue to be vigilant but without creating unnecessary fear and panic. Ebola presents with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, measles-like rash, red eyes, and sometimes with bleeding from body openings,” added Lwamafa. http://www.chimpreports.com/index.ph...suspected.html

Prisons Ban Visits For 2 Weeks Over Ebola Outbreak

Baine says the suspension of visits will run for two weeks after which it will be reviewed whether to allow visits of continue with the suspension

Read more: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=44151#ixzz22IThGMc4

Sister Florence Rwabahima, the Kanungu District Health Officer says that she learnt of the transportation of the body of the deceased health workers when she heard burial announcements over local radio stations. http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=44129

Ebola Reaches Kanungu District

 

Posted by Sandra Birungi on August 1, 2012

The ebola virus which has gripped Uganda and causing a lot of anxiety has reached Kanungu district and has so far killed one person.

Ebola first hit Kibaale district claiming so far 14 people and rendering many others vulnerable to the virus which spreads rapidly and kills just as fast. President Museveni issued a national address urging all people to be vigilant as the precaution is being taken. But, in the meanwhile, people were advised to resist from intimate relationships, hand shaking and public places which could be prone to the virus.

Panicked residents of Kanugu district got the shock after one of their health workers who was working in Kigadi died from the Ebola virus. Kemitumba Mackline died Monday July 30th and her body was taken for burial in Kanungu district where she was buried yesterday in a hasty burial.

A Kanugu district health officer, Sister Florence Rwabahima said she did not know about the death until she heard from radio that the body of Mackline was being transported to Kanungu from Kibaale district where she had died from. She was buried in Nkunda village in Nyanga Sub County, Kanungu district.

“I tried to block the transportation of the body advising that she should be buried immediately in Kibale but my efforts were fruitless,” Rwabahima said.

With the transportation of an Ebola corpse, chances are that relatives who had gotten involved in the transported had contracted the virus and are prone to Ebola. “The people who handled the transportation had no protective gear and must have had contact with the victim and that is itself enough to pass on the disease,” she said.

http://www.ugandapicks.com/2012/08/ebola-reaches-kanungu-district-69452.html

Kibaale District Chairperson bans all public activities

20120801 1:22:11 AM EST



The Kibaale District chairperson, George William Namyaka has banned all public activities including markets, weddings and any other public gathering for fear of spreading Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever.

In a statement issued yesterday to the media, Namyaka said that because of the way Ebola is spread through contact, the district is concerned that if people are left to continue gathering, the Ebola might spread beyond the current areas.

However, this is contradicting the statement from World Health Organization which pointed out that there is no need to ban any public activity because the health officials had traced all the Ebola contacts and quarantined them.

Yesterday in parliament Doctor Okuonzi Sam, the MP for Vvura County warned against panic among the public through avoiding normal human activities.

The district chairperson has directed the District Police Commander to implement the directive to ensure that no weekly market opens.

There are unconfirmed reports that authorities from neighboring districts of Kyenjojo, Hoima and Mubende have also banned public gatherings.http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/business/kibaale-district-chairperson-bans-all-public-activities/26530.aspx

No travel ban to #Ebola affected areas - Uganda Govt

Publish Date: Aug 01, 2012

Health minister Dr. Christine Ondoa has said the government has not imposed a travel ban in the districts affected by Ebola virus.

“The Ebola virus is a self- limiting disease. It can wipe out a family or a village when there are no more people to infect, it dies down. Isolation is the solution and it will contain it,” Ondoa told Parliament. She was presenting a statement on the status of the Ebola virus out- break in Uganda.

 ...She added that an ambulance equipped with protective gear has been sent to Kibaale to transport Ebola patients and to transport the dead for burial. She said the National Medical Stores has been directed to provide necessary medicines and logistics to affected districts.

..Lyndah Timbigamba Kyenjojo district woman MP said health workers were running away from Kibaale district and some residents were on the run.

Dr. Sam Okuonzi Vurra county MP urged the government to improve the management of panic in the affected and neighbouring districts. “Public awareness is necessary to address fear among the population. People can be stopped from boarding buses, traveling, going into public places. People will be running around the country, people will be refused to enter churches if there is no public education,” Okuonzi stressed.http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/633646-no-travel-ban-to-ebola-affected-areas-govt.html

6 million birds slaughtered in Mexico #H7N3

Were slaughtered 6 million birds from bird flu in Jalisco

• July 31, 2012 - 8:52 pm -SENASICA director said the virus was detected in 41 of the 376 farms, so there are 10.5 million birds at risk of infection.
Guadalajara • Some 10.5 million birds in Jalisco are at risk of infection by avian influenza and about 6 million have been culled to stop the spread of the virus, officials said.
The director of the National Health Service, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA), Enrique Sánchez Cruz, said in a news conference that the avian influenza virus has been detected only in 41 of the 376 farms checked in that state, so "farms that are free of the virus are 335".The owner of SENASICA also added other 299 were inspected poultry farms in 15 states and found that the presence of H7N3 virus in any of them.
"Scientific evidence suggests that the disease is contained in the region where it was detected last month," said Sanchez.
He said that even when they started the vaccination stage, farms in the area of ​​risk remain under precautionary quarantine and isolation, in addition to maintaining control of the mobilization to prevent the spread of the virus.
He reported that until Tuesday were delivered 56 million doses of vaccine against bird flu in the Los Altos de Jalisco, adding that before the end of the week will have the 80 million doses scheduled at this early stage.
He explained that until now have been vaccinated 30 million animals from 133 farms breeding birds for egg production and broiler, and is expected to immunize 80 million in the coming weeks.
In mid-August assess the results to start the second application to enhance the protection of birds, he said.
For his part, President of the Union of Poultry Associations of Jalisco, Benjamin Perez de Anda, told Efe that will require a second immunization to ensure complete eradication of the disease.
"We think it will require revaccination in late August" because it is "a new vaccine and an unknown virus, but that will value the health authorities," he said.
Mexican technicians developed the vaccine from the strain found in migratory birds, which was reproduced by three laboratories in Mexico.
Perez de Anda said that egg production has fallen 6% since the emergence of the virus in six weeks ago and Acatic Tepatitlán municipalities, and 2,000 jobs have been affected.
"There are seats to be completely lost, but the workers have reduced their workload," said the businessman, who hoped that the situation is regularized soon.
Perez de Anda found that the slaughter of six million birds represents a loss of up to 15 000 cases a day of egg, but added that this reduction will have no consequences for consumption in the domestic market or for exports.
According to the National Poultry Union, Mexico produces about 2.5 million tons of eggs and 1.2 million tonnes of broiler meat per year.

http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/4bebf627c557d45f6c373222dfe33987

Ebola outbreak in Uganda spreads to Kampala

Ebola outbreak in Uganda spreads to Kampala

Jul 31, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish

The death toll from an outbreak of Ebola in villages in western Uganda has risen to at least 16.

President Yoweri Museveni has also confirmed that the deadly virus has hit the capital city, Kampala. He has also issued a national warning urging people to avoid physical contact.

The virus is highly contagious and there is currently no vaccine or treatment for the disease.

Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb reports from Kampala.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMRo28XoXLQ

#Ebola claims 4 more at Kagadi, Mulago

Ebola claims 4 more at Kagadi, Mulago

Publish Date: Aug 01, 2012

By Vision Reporters

Four more patients suspected to be suffering from Ebola have died as 14 new cases are also currently isolated in wards at Kagadi and Mulago hospitals.

This brings the death toll to 18 in the country's third massive wave of Ebola outbreaks in the last one decade.

The first was in Gulu in 2000, followed by that in Bundibugyo in 2007 where hundreds of people died and others were infected.

Medical authorities were also Tuesday investigating a suspected Ebola case in Mbarara. The case was placed under isolation.

The patients who died on Monday all from Kibaale were identified as Susan Nabulya from Burunzi village, the first patient to be admitted at Kagadi hospital, five-year-old Nicholas Asingwire (Kenga village), 12-year-old Kato (Nyamarunda village) and Frediano Nsabimaana of Nyamugusa village in Bwamiramira sub-county.

Another 11 new suspected Ebola patients were Tuesday admitted at Kagadi hospital in Kibaale and three others in Mulago hospital in Kampala.

The number of suspected cases at Kagadi hospital has reached 18, which puts the total suspected cases at Kagadi and Mulago to 21.

The three admitted in Mulago are also from Kibaale district; a four-year old boy, his mother and uncle, according to the deputy executive director, Dr. Doreen Male.

However, the health ministry in a statement issued Tuesday said there were 18 patients in Kagadi hospital, of whom three are confirmed to have contracted Ebola.

The health ministry's surveillance team in Kibaale, according to the statement, is, "actively and closely monitoring 40 people who are suspected to have got in contact with the dead."

"These contacts have not shown any signs of the disease but will be monitored for 21 days," said the statement, adding that after 21 days, they will be declared Ebola-free if no signs are detected.

Kibaale district health officer, Dr. Dan Kyamanywa said that the new suspected Ebola patients were picked from Kagadi town council and the sub-counties of Nyamarunda, Burora, Bwamiramira, Kyaterekera and Muhorro.

The patients, however, on Tuesday protested being poorly fed at the hospital.

One of the patients forced his way out of the isolation ward, as the others caused commotion and were calmed by the police, local and district leaders.

"It is true that we do not have money to feed these patients, but we are making arrangements to get money and buy them food," one of the health officials said on condition of anonymity.

Dr. Kyamanywa said the Medicines Sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders) had donated plampenats (packed foods) for the patients. But patients had refused to eat the food.

The chief administrative officer of Kibaale, Emmanuel Ssenoga said that the district has not received any funds since the financial year started.

Meanwhile, hotlines have been created for all people to call, in case they suspect anyone to be infected with the disease.

Ebola surveillance teams can be reached on 0774 451762, 0706 506294, and 0757 174556. http://www.newvision.co.ug/article/fullstory.aspx?story_id=633630&catid=10&mid=53&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Three new Ebola cases confirmed in Uganda

August 1 2012 at 12:34am

Kampala - Three new cases of the deadly Ebola virus were confirmed on Tuesday in Uganda, as 15 patients - including health workers suspected of contracting the disease - were transferred to hospital isolation wards. A further 40 people were being monitored for symptoms, which include haemorrhagic fever, vomiting and bleeding from internal organs.
About 90 percent of cases of the highly contagious disease result in death.
Fourteen people have died since the outbreak at the beginning of the month that started in the western district of Kibaale, about 250km from the capital Kampala, where two cases have since been recorded.
Teams of government health officials and NGOs were trying to curb the spread, while the public has been advised by the government to refrain from physical contact, including shaking hands, in order to decrease the risks of transmission.
“It's very important to react quickly to find where the disease is focused and to isolate it as fast as possible,” said Medecins Sans Frontieres' Olimpia de la Rosa.
“It is also essential to take care of the caregivers - which means supporting and working closely with the Ugandan health teams who are already struggling to stop the virus spreading,” she said.
Ebola is caused by a virus first identified in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In two Ebola epidemics in 2000 and 2007 in Uganda, more than 200 people were killed.
Last year, a 12-year-old girl died in an isolated case. - Sapa-dpa http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/new...anda-1.1353465

__________________

Efforts continue to battle #Ebola in Uganda

Listen

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WHO Representatives in Uganda, prepare to visit patients in the Ebola isolation ward

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are working with Ugandan authorities to contain the deadly Ebola haemorrhagic fever that has claimed 14 lives in Uganda.

The agency says there are 36 suspected cases of the fever in the Kibaale region in western Uganda.

WHO spokesperson in Geneva, Tarik Jasarevic, says the agency is helping the Ugandan government to manage and control the cases of the disease.

"Four cases had been confirmed by lab in the Ugandan Virus Research Institute. Other samples that had been taken proved to be negative. And out of those four confirmed lab cases two have died. There is an isolation ward that has been set up in Kagadi town in Kibaale region and this is where all the suspected cases are currently being treated."

(Duration: 25")http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2012/07/efforts-continue-to-battle-ebola-in-uganda/

12 new #Ebola cases reported in Kibaale

Wednesday, August 1 2012 at 01:00



The number of people infected with Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Kibaale rose from 7 to 19 yesterday although no new deaths had been reported by press time, according to the Ministry of Health.

In Mbarara, Dr George Upenytho, the executive director of the regional referral Hospital, said they were handling a suspected case of Ebola whose blood samples had been sent to Kampala awaiting confirmation.

In Ntungamo, the district health officer, Mr Bernard Bamuturaki, said they were treating five deaths in the area with suspicion but could not confirm that they were as a result of Ebola.



The 12 new cases confirmed yesterday were all admitted to an isolation ward at Kagadi Hospital as health workers tried to contain the outbreak of the deadly disease. Dr Dan Kyamanywa, the Kibaale District health officer, said those newly admitted to hospital are from Burora, Bwikara, Kyaterekera, and Muhurro sub-counties as well as Kagadi Town Council. “They are in an isolation ward at Kagadi Hospital,” Dr Kyamanywa said. “They have received treatment and we can see some progress.”



The new cases reported yesterday raise the cumulative total of those infected to 33, including 14 who have died since the outbreak of the disease three weeks ago. Only three of the dead, however, were confirmed to have died of the disease.



If the cases in Mbarara and Ntungamo are confirmed, it would raise the death toll, the number of those infected, and the geographical extent of the outbreak which has so far been limited to Kibaale and a patient who was transported to Mulago Hospital in Kampala where they died.



In a related development, another health worker at Muhorro Health Centre III, Ms Margret Asaba, has been confirmed to have contracted the disease and is under treatment at Kagadi Hospital. Health officials have urged the public to minimise physical contact and report cases of people with Ebola-like symptoms. In a statement issued on Sunday, the World Health Organisation said the matter was under control and advised governments not to issue travel advisories against Uganda.

The health ministry yesterday said 16 samples had been collected from people suspected of having the disease for analysis while surveillance continues. “The Ministry of Health surveillance team in Kibaale District is actively and closely following up to 40 people who are suspected to have got into contact with the dead,” the statement issued by Dr. Dennis Lwamafa said. “These contacts have not shown any signs of the disease but will be monitored for 21 days. After 21 days, they will be declared Ebola-free.”



Fear factor

Meanwhile, the admission of patients suspected to be infected with the Ebola hemorrhagic fever to Kagadi Hospital has forced other patients to flee from the facility. Reports from Kibaale indicate that the hospital has, since the Ebola outbreak, not received any patients with non-related ailments.



Mr Steven Byarugaba, the chairperson of the district Ebola taskforce, said patients admitted to the hospital when an isolation ward was set up to accommodate those suspected of suffering from Ebola have since abandoned the hospital.

People in neighbouring areas have also fled. “Several families including mine have been relocated to other sub-counties,” said Mr Robert Kyamanywa, who heads an NGO in Nyamarunda Sub-county, where Ebola was first confirmed last week.



The outbreak of the disease has also forced the closure of more than 200 schools in the district ahead of the official closing date, Friday. “After consultation with district leaders and relevant medical officials, we have closed schools in the counties of Buyaga East, Buyaga West and Buyanja,” the district education officer John Kyaboona told Daily Monitor on Monday. He said the closure is a precautionary measure to prevent a possibility of massive infections given the fact that Ebola is highly infectious.



http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/12+new+Ebola+cases+reported+in+Kibaale/-/688334/1467994/-/119aokwz/-/index.html

#Ebola death toll rises to 16

News
Wednesday, 01 August 2012 00:22
Written by Edward Ssekika

Two more people, including a five-year-old boy, have succumbed to Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Kibaale district, bringing the death toll to 16 by last evening. Dr Dan Kyamanywa, the Kibaale district health officer, said the two died on Monday. They were identified as five-year-old Nicholas Asingwire, from Kenga village in Kagadi sub-county, and Frediano Nsabimaana of Nyamugusa in Bwamiramira sub-county. Kyamanywa said the two were buried by health workers on the Ebola taskforce.
Twelve more Ebola patients were by yesterday admitted at an isolation unit at the district’s main Kagadi hospital, bringing the total number of admitted patients to 19. Four of those admitted were reported to be in critical condition. The disease broke out about three weeks ago, but was only confirmed last weekend. Its main symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding from openings on the body
“We have registered 34 health workers who were in close contact with late Muhumuza and we are monitoring them for at least 21 days to see if they can develop any signs and symptoms of Ebola,” Kyamanywa said.
Paul Kagwa, the head of Health promotion in the ministry of Health, yesterday said the ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) were tracking over 40 people suspected to have come into contact with Ebola cases. Meanwhile, MPs yesterday criticized the government for taking too long to confirm the outbreak of the disease. But in a statement to Parliament, Health Minister Christine Ondoa insisted the situation was under control.

http://www.observer.ug/index.php?opt...ews&Itemid=114

Health official in Kibaale rush to Hoima to pick suspected #Ebola victim

20120731 12:46:45 PM EST

Medical officials from Kagadi hospital have rushed to Hoima and picked a nurse suspected to have been infected with Ebola.

The Nurse identified as Magaret Asaba is said to have attended the burial of Claire Muhumuza a clinical officer who died from Mulago hospital.

The Vice chairperson of the Kibaale District Ebola task force, Stephen Mfashingabo says it has been confirmed that Asaba, a health worker at Muhorro health centre III is currently under treatment at Kagadi hospital.

Mfashingabo says the task force is overwhelmed by the increasing calls from the community reporting suspected Ebola cases.



He says this evening alone, the surveillance team has told the task force that they have received eight calls from the communities reporting patients in their midst who have symptoms similar to those of Ebola.

Medics have also confirmed that Hope Nazziwa, a patient who fled from an isolation ward in the hospital has been successfully traced in Nyanswiga village in Nyamarunda Sub County and she is quarantined together with other patientshttp://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/health-official-in-kibaale-rush-to-hoima-to-pick-suspected-ebola-victim/26522.aspx

Patients continue shunning Kagadi Ebola handling hospital

Patients continue shunning Kagadi Ebola handling hospital 
20120731 12:52:29 PM EST
Patients with other ailments that have been receiving treatment at Kagadi Hospital have abandoned the facility in fear of contracting Ebola Hemorrhagic fever.
Reports from Kibaale district indicate that since the outbreak of the deadly virus, the hospital has not been receiving patients with general illnesses seeking medical attention.
According to Steven Byarugaba, the District Chairperson Ebola task force, the patients who were admitted at the hospital before the Ministry of Health officials established an isolated ward to handle Ebola have run away and abandoned the hospital before they were discharged.
Meanwhile the number of people who have been hospitalized after contracting Ebola in Kibaale has increased to 19 from 8, although no deaths have been reported bringing to 33 the total number of those who have contracted the disease.
According to the health ministry the official death toll still stands at 14.
The district health officer Dr Dan Kyamanywa says the patients are from the sub counties of Burora, Bwikara, Kyaterekera, Muhurro and Kagadi town council.
Kyamanywa notes that they are in an isolation ward at Kagadi hospital and they are making progress after they received treatment.
The highly infectious disease presents with high grade fever and bleeding, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and kills in a short time.  http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/patients-continue-shunning-kagadi-ebola-handling-hospital/26523.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Uganda_news+%28UGPulse.com+-+The+Pulse+of+Uganda%29

Ebola Outbreak Threatens Western Uganda

A video from inside the Kagadi hospital

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS159RwxB6E

A case of Ebola is reported in Mbarara District

20120731 12:42:13 PM EST

This has been confirmed by the District Health Officer Dr. Amooti Kaguna who says the suspected Ebola case has been admitted at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital with samples of stool and blood got from the patient and taken to Entebbe virus research institute for screening.

Dr. Kaguna says the suspected Ebola patient is being critically observed and treated, calling upon the public to be calm since the medical experts are doing their best to contain the deadly disease.

He adds that more details of the suspected Ebola patient at the hospital will be disclosed during a press briefing tomorrow Wednesday.

However the public is being advised to report to health workers in time in case someone develops abnormal diarrhea and fevers, vomiting.

The public is also called upon to refrain from shaking hands and hugging when greeting.http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/a-case-of-ebola-is-reported-in-mbarara-district/26521.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Uganda_news+%28UGPulse.com+-+The+Pulse+of+Uganda%29

Ugandans try to avoid touching amid ebola outbreak

31/07/2012 15:15 GMT

Kampala residents have been urged to avoid contact after the deadly Ebola virus hit the city but...

Kampala residents have been urged to avoid contact after the deadly Ebola virus hit the city but security guard Joseph Karuba's job is to frisk people and he doesn't have gloves.
"The thing has come back -- it came first time and we beat it, then it came again and we beat it and now it is back," he said, waiting for shoppers outside one of the teeming capital's malls.

President Yoweri Museveni on Monday confirmed that Ebola, one of the world's most virulent diseases, had reached Kampala for the first time following an outbreak in the west of the country.
"We shall request gloves, but for now it is a very big problem because we are exposed," Karuba said.
Officials were searching for anyone who might have come into contact with the virus, amid public warnings for people to take precautions and avoid physical contact.
"Ebola outbreak! What you need to know," screamed a headline in the daily New Vision newspaper.
In Kampala -- a chaotic city of around 1.5 million people with densely populated slums and bustling markets -- the message of caution appears to be getting through to the public.
"They are telling us about it over the radio," says Boniface Ongwang, a motorcycle taxi driver.
"You are not supposed to touch others or drink local water. In public places don't hold someone's hand, just wave at them."

Ongwang, 28, says that for the moment he is confident that Kampala remains more or less safe, but he has told his wife to keep his baby daughter at home.
"If you do not have to, there is no need to move around in busy places," he said.
Residents said they would feel more secure if they were able to avoid taking the crowded and dilapidated minibuses that zoom around town but many do not have a choice.
"If I could I would avoid taking public transport," 35-year-old Wangalwa Ojambo told AFP while waiting at a bus stop on the outskirts of the city.

Some businesses have warned staff to take precautions.
"We have done a poster for staff warning them to be vigilant and to avoid contact with people, but we cannot tell them to stop taking money or doing business," said Vincent Kimbya, a supermarket manager in central Kampala, as shoppers queued up to buy goods.
,,.http://www.starafrica.com/en/news/detail-news/view/ugandans-try-to-avoid-touching-amid-ebol-245665.html

65

about 29 minutes ago

Uganda's national #Ebola isolation centre

Hillary Clinton's African trip will take her through Uganda

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton set off Tuesday on a six-nation, 11-day trip to Africa due to focus on regional peace and security, as well as spurring economic growth.
The US top diplomat, whose tour will take in the world's newest nation South Sudan and Ebola-hit Uganda, departed Tuesday from Andrews Air Force base heading first to Senegal where she will meet President Macky Sall.
http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1-front-top-news/71080-clinton-heads-to-africa-on-six-nation-swing-.html