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

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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

Crisis As #Ebola Encircles Uganda

 A total o f 16 samples have since the outbreak been collected from the suspect cases for investigation at the Uganda Virus Research Institute,The deadly Ebola disease could be determined to wipe out the nation following Tuesday evening reports that several cases had so far been confirmed in districts of Mbarara, Isingiro and Mubende.

As if this is not scaring enough, the Ministry of Health General Health Services Director Dr K Lwamafa said the number of suspected Ebola cases registered at Kagadi Government hospital in Kibaale district had since Monday increased from seven to 18 patients.

“Currently there are three confirmed cases and 15 suspects admitted at the isolation facility. The patients are receiving the appropriate treatment from the medical team dispatched from the National Taskforce jointly with local hospital staff,” said Lwamafa.

But after issuing the statement, Mbarara District Health Officer Dr. Amoti Kaguna confirmed two new Ebola cases.

“Yes, it’s true we have two cases of Ebola in isolation centre. We will issue a conclusive statement tomorrow at 9am,” confirmed Kaguna.

Chimpreports.com also understands that 19 new Ebola cases had been reported in Mubende district and nurses were turning away from patients in fear of contracting Ebola.

As tension hit boiling levels that the virus could have spread further than earlier anticipated, sources at Mulago Hospital, where a medical officer from Kagadi passed away after being hit by Ebola, 7 doctors and other 13 health workers were quarantined.

But Lwamafa said only eight health workers who attended to the suspect cases are being closely monitored.

“An isolation policy arrangement to last 21 days has been put in place as active monitoring continues. Plans are underway to set up an isolation facility at Mulago Hospital in readiness for any alerts and suspected cases from Kampala and neighbouring districts,” noted Lwamafa.

The Ebola strike is a big test to the Health Ministry’s ability to control a scourge of enormous proportions that has brought the country to its knees by putting thousands of precious lives at stake.

Uganda will also pay dearly in terms of Tourism considering that Ebola has hit hard western Uganda, the home to most visited tourist centers such as national parks, game reserves, mountains and rivers.

HEALTH MINISTRY NOT LEAVING ANY STONE UNTURNED

Nevertheless, Lwamafa said most of the patients are responding positively to the treatment administered to them.

“The increased number follows the quick response given to suspected alerts from various parts of the district. The patients are currently admitted at the hospital isolation facility after they presented with Ebola signs,” he said.

“There have been no more deaths recorded since the announcement of the outbreak on July 28. The death toll remains at 14. A total of 16 samples have since the outbreak been collected from the suspect cases for investigation at the Uganda Virus Research Institute,” said Lwamafa.

The Ministry of Health is actively and closely following up to 40 people who are suspected to have got into contact with the dead.

“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 meaning that they did not contract the disease.”

“The public is therefore requested to stay calm as everything is being done to manage the outbreak.

The ministry of health advises the public to ensure that the recommended safety measures are adhered to and refer to any suspected cases to a nearby health facility for check up,” said Lwamafa.

Ebola presents with fever, vomiting diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, measles-like rash, red eyes and sometimes with bleeding from body   http://www.chimpreports.com/index.php/people/health/5297-exclusive-crisis-as-ebola-encircles-uganda.html

Uganda Government issues #Ebola outbreak alert statement to parliament

Government issues Ebola outbreak alert statement to parliament



Government has today issued an Ebola outbreak alert statement to the parliament and the whole nation

The minister for Health, Christine Ondoa confirmed to Parliament that the disease had claimed the lives of 14 persons, 10 of them from the same family.

The dead include a Clinical Officer who initially attended to the patients at Kagadi hospital and her four months old baby.

The Clinical Officer had been referred to Mulago hospital where she succumbed to the disease on July 20^th, 2012.

Latest reports from the ministry indicate that a total of 36 cases had been recorded with 18 patients admitted at Kagadi government hospital isolation facility.

Forty contact persons who got into contact with the suspected victims are being closely monitored for any symptoms of the disease.

According to a statement issued by Minister Ondoa, the Uganda Virus Institute is testing 21 specimens for traces of Ebola diseasehttp://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/government-issues-ebola-outbreak-alert-statement-to-parliament/26517.aspx

Government sets up national task force on Ebola

Government has set up a national task force to coordinate the Ebola management efforts of the disease in Kibaale and neighboring districts.
The minister of health, Christine Ondoa announced that the country was safe for all travelers since the affected persons have been isolated and no travel bans have been issued.
MPs have urged government to consider instituting a special policy to cover medical workers whose lives are at risk in the line of duty.
MPs are concerned over the recorded death of medical personnel whenever an Ebola outbreak is recorded.
MPs proposed that all medical personnel who die in the line of duty compensated and their families catered for by government.
Ebola is a highly infectious disease which presents itself with high grade fever and bleeding tendencies.  http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/government-sets-up-national-task-force-on-ebola/26516.aspx

Ebola in Uganda: MSF fights outbreak[Press release]

31 | 07 | 2012 - Uganda An emergency team from Doctors Without Borders is spot Kigadi, Uganda, to assist in combating outbreak of Ebola. Kigadi located in western Uganda, in Kibaale district. Other teams of MSF teams in Uganda monitor the situation. The Ebola outbreak was on July 28 by the Ugandan government confirmed. 14 people have succumbed to it and it is suspected that at least 20 others are infected.

http://www.msf-azg.be/nl/pers/ebola-in-uganda-artsen-zonder-grenzen-bestrijdt-uitbraak

Kenya-MP demands details of #Ebola counter plans

Posted by CATHERINE KARONGO on July 31, 2012

On Monday, Kenya declared a high Ebola alert in provinces that border Uganda, after an outbreak of the disease was confirmed in Kampala/ AFP

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 31 – Ikolomani Member of Parliament Boni Khalwale has asked for a ministerial statement from Public Health Minister Beth Mugo on Kenya’s preparedness after an Ebola outbreak in Uganda killed at least 14 people.



The MP wants the minister to confirm the number of screening centres that have been opened at the border points between Kenya and Uganda including airports and how the concerned departments have been mobilised.

He also wants her to state what specific advice the government was giving to Kenyans in regards to travelling to Uganda, shaking of hands, hugging, drinking and eating from the same container and sexual contact.

“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 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,” he said.

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ made a commitment on behalf of the Public Health Minister to have the statement issued next week.

“This is really a very urgent matter and I think my colleague was here (Parliament) but I will inform her of this matter, probably she can come at the earliest opportunity next week, the afternoon of Tuesday,” he undertook.

On Monday, Kenya declared a high Ebola alert in provinces that border Uganda, after an outbreak of the disease was confirmed in Kampala.

The Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Public Health Willis Akhwale said they had instructed Provincial Directors of Health and District Medical Officers in Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley provinces to immediately report any suspicious cases.

“We will issue the health workers in these areas with personal protective clothing for them to effectively handle any suspicious case,” he told Capital FM News.

Earlier, the Director of Public Health Shahnaaz Sharif told Capital FM News that Kenya would not advise its citizens against travelling to Uganda following the outbreak.

“We are not issuing any advisory for people travelling to Uganda. Everything is under control. If there is anything occurring, we can explore the disease within a short time. We have lab facilities to do so, nothing to worry about… you should relax.”..

http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2012/07/mp-demands-details-of-ebola-counter-plans/

Over 200 Kibaale schools closed early for #Ebola Prevention

Over 200 Kibaale schools closed

Publish Date: Jul 31, 2012

• Health workers preparing to treat Ebola patients at Kagadi Hospital

newvision

By Ismael Kasooha and Conan Businge

Over 210 schools in Ebola-hit areas of Kibaale have been ordered to break off early for holidays. All schools in the country are expected to officially close at the end of this week.

The district education officer, John Kyaboona, said he had ordered all schools to close immediately. “Any school that fails to comply shall be dealt with accordingly,” Kyaboona said.

However, the district health officer, Dr. Dan Kyamanywa, said he had only advised that schools break off for holidays early as part of measures to control the spread of Ebola. http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/633614-over-200-kibaale-schools-closed.html

There are now 36 suspected cases of #Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Kibaale district

There are now 36 suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Kibaale district, Uganda, of which 4 are laboratory-confirmed and 14 dead.https://twitter.com/WHO/status/230312612469022721

Press Release from Ministry of Health

Ebola Suspected cases increase at Kibaale District



18 suspected

Up to 40 being watched

8 health workers in isolation at Mulago hospital

Stay calm

PDF

http://health.go.ug/docs/ebola.pdf



This does not reflect the current situation

Uganda fights deadly #Ebola outbreak, WHO speaks on the disease (video)

Uganda fights deadly Ebola outbreak, WHO speaks on the disease (video)

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Shaking hands and other physical contact could be deadly said the Ugandan President on 31 July.
The warning came after a health worker died in the capital Kampala, after traveling by bus to the city following the death of her baby.
14 people have died since the highly contagious viral illness broke out in western Uganda three weeks ago.
Seven doctors and 13 health workers at Mulago Hospital are in quarantine after “at least one or two cases” were taken there, with one later dying. In the meantime, health teams in Uganda are trying to track down anyone who has come into contact with patients infected with the virus.
The Geneva-based WHO is currently supporting the country to determine the extent of the outbreak.

Parliament asks for panic management in #Ebola afflicted areas

Members of Parliament have recommended for a national wide management of panic from the public about the outbreak of Ebola in Kibaale district through public education and awareness.
Dr. Okuonzi Sam the MP for Vurra County, Arua District said that judging from the experience of Ebola outbreak in Arua and other areas in Uganda, public panic negatively affects the efforts to fight the disease by causing unnecessary anxiety.
Dr. Okuonzi however, applauded the president for the public statement he made which has helped to clear a number of issues around the epidemic.
He wondered why the ministry of health is not doing enough sensitization in the public about the Ebola disease which has led the public to be confused by rumors.
Responding to the MPs’ concerns, the minister of health, Christine Andoa revealed that government has so far made three national broadcasts about Ebola and sent adequate information to the District Health Officers who are using the local media to educate the public about the outbreak.

http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/parliament-asks-for-panic-management-in-ebola-afflicted-areas/26514.aspx

Ebola Outbreak

Jul 31, 2012 by K24TV

Kenyan authorities are on high alert after an outbreak of the ebola virus was confirmed in the Ugandan capital Kampala.The deadly outbreak has so far claimed fourteen lives prompting the government to put in place measures to deal with it in the event of an outbreak.Minister for public health Beth Mugo, told Kenyans that there was no cause for alarm as the health officials had secured areas bordering Uganda to check the spread of the disease.Meanwhile President Yoweri Museveni, has warned against physical contact after new victim cases were reported in Kampala.

VIDEO
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJMybWhCSEQ

Uganda: Ebola - Red Cross Sends Emergency Health Team to Kibale

press release

Kibale — The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has mobilised an emergency health team of 100 volunteers to support the Ministry of Health and partners to combat the deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kibaale district.
Already, the Red Cross has dispatched Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Kibaale to support the case management team and URCS volunteers with their work on ground as they also protect themselves against the fever.
URCS is working closely with Ministry of Health and other agencies like WHO, MSF, UNICEF and AFINET who are part of the national task force on Ebola.
The 100 volunteers are undergoing training to support the dissemination of information about the disease and its transmission to the vulnerable communities. A senior staff and regional manager have moved to Kibaale to support in the training.
URCS Under Secretary General Programs and Projects Dr. Bildard Baguma says the volunteers will start their work by Friday this week.
He adds that the volunteers will also be involved in active case search and follow up of the contacts suspected or confirmed to be of Ebola.
"The volunteers will also be involved in counseling, rehabilitation and distributions of kits to survivors," Dr. Baguma explains. Uganda Red Cross Society has since 2000 been supporting the Ministry of Health in Ebola operations.
URCS will work with the national task force to procure Information, Education and Communication materials for community education and sensitization.
To boost its operations, URCS will receive support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide immediate assistance to about 1.6m indirect beneficiaries through community sensitization and community disease surveillance.  http://allafrica.com/stories/201207310750.html

Uganda braces for #Ebola outbreak

 

VIDEO

The ebola outbreak in Uganda has spread to the capital. 14 people have died, and those suspected of having the virus are being quarantined.
July 31 2012 at 03:12pm

#Ebola: Rwanda, Kenya On High Alert

Following reported outbreak of the deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever in neighboring Uganda, the Government of Rwanda has put in place stringent measures that will ensure the safety of Rwandans from this deadly virus.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health and WHO confirmed an outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kibale district in Western Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Twenty people have been affected so far and 14 people have died.

Kibale district is approximately 300 Km from the Rwandan border and specifically the districts of Musanze, Nyagatare, Gicumbi and Burera.

“Due to high traffic and population movements, there is risk that Ebola can be imported to Rwanda at any time,” government said in a statement.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a highly contagious disease transmitted from person to person and characterised by fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains and bleeding from all orifices.

“Though no case has been reported in Rwanda for the last 15 years, government has put in place measures aimed at protecting Rwandans from this deadly disease but is also cautioning Rwandans to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately,” the statement further read.

“Ministry of Health in collaboration with its partners and through the emergency preparedness team is taking actions for preparedness and response to prevent potential health risks that might be caused by the deadly disease.”

Specifically, the Ministry of Health has issued alert warnings to all health centres on how to detect and handle cases should they arise.

The Ministry is also training health care providers especially in districts neighbouring Uganda on case management and preventive measures.

In addition, all the necessary kits and medical supplies needed have been assembled and dispatched to health facilities in the bordering districts.

What is required from the public?

• To immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility in case of suspicion of Ebola

• Any person who visited Uganda and had contact with someone presenting signs and symptoms of Ebola should immediately inform the nearest health facility

Current situation

No cases of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever have so far been reported in Rwanda. The Ministry of Health has elaborated plans to effectively respond should the disease occur within our borders.

“We request the public to stay calm and continue business as usual,” added the statement

Kenyan government also put its national on alert yesterday to avoid Ebola by avoiding physical contact as much as they could.   http://www.chimpreports.com/index.php/people/health/5284-ebola-rwanda-kenya-on-high-alert.html

Ministry of health to train and deploy #Ebola scouts

The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Denis Lwamafa has revealed that in an effort to improve Ebola surveillance, the ministry of health will this week recruit and train scouts to monitor and education the public on Ebola.
He says that the Village Health Teams will be incorporated in the fight against Ebola through monitoring for people suffering from illnesses with Ebola signs and symptoms.
Dr. Lwamafa revealed this during a training session of all health workers in Kibaale district at Kagadi hospital.
The move comes at a time when the political leaders in the district were urging government to increase the awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of Ebola.
The director told the media after the training that they have managed to contain the disease because since Saturday there is no more deaths reported both at Kagadi hospital and the country at large.
He says that the whole of yesterday medical teams spent the day searching for Ebola patents in the district and only one was brought to the Isolation centre at Kagadi hospital.   http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/ministry-of-health-to-train-and-deploy-ebola-scouts/26510.aspx

Ugandans might be stopped from traveling abroad-Parliament

20120731 9:40:40 AM EST

Following the outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kibaale district, Ugandans travelling abroad may face travel ban.

The fear for the travel ban was voiced by parliament this evening while reacting to a statement from the minister of health, Christine Andoa on the situation in Kibaale and the country at large.
MP Richard Todwong expressed the concern that since the outbreak has been reported on BBC and other international broadcasters, the outside world might ban Ugandans from traveling to other countries.
He said that whenever there are problems in Democratic Republic of Congo, there is an outbreak of Ebola fever in Uganda.
However, the minister of health allayed the fears of MPs and said that Ugandans will not be banned from traveling because what the ministry of health has done to locate and quarantine the Ebola contacts is good enough.  http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/ugandans-might-be-stopped-from-traveling-abroad-parliament/26513.aspx

Cult Leader Barred From Visiting Kabarole Over Ebola

Kabarole district leaders have halted the visit of Owobusobozi Bisaka, the founder of the Faith of Unity, following the outbreak of Ebola in the country.

#Ebola Death Toll Reaches 16 As Districts Form Taskforce Teams

2012-07-31 16:08:38

The death toll as a result of Ebola outbreak in Kibaale district has clocked 16 people after two more people died on Monday. http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=44125

Ebola outbreak: Hotlines out

Publish Date: Jul 31, 2012
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.

More patients Tuesday were admitted at the isolation ward in Kagadi hospital in Kibaale district, according to reports from health officers.

This means that there are more people increasingly getting infected in the district. Surveillance teams are already combing through the district to ensure that no infected person is left untreated, according to the district health officer Dr. Dan Kyamanywa. http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/633609-ebola-outbreak-hotlines-out.html

19 new #Ebola cases reported at Kagadi Hospital

Publish Date: Jul 31, 2012

By Ismael Kasooha and Luke Kagiri

Ninteen new Ebola casesWere Tuesday morning reported at Kagadi Hospital in Kibaale district.

Mubende district bordering Kibaale has set up an isolation centre center following reports that Ebola patients from Kibaale were flocking the health unit for treatment.

This caused panic as Nurses turned away patients for fear that they could be having the deadly Ebola virus.

Mubende Hospital chief Dr. Edward Nkurunziza told New Vision that the isolation center would handle Ebola cases if confirmed.

Meanwhile seven doctors of Mulago Hospital who treated an Ebola patient from Kibaale district have been placed under quarantine.

This was done to prevent the spread of the deadly disease that has claimed 14 lives. Another 13 health workers, who accompanied the patient who died a few days ago, have also been quarantined, President Yoweri Museveni revealed Monday.

In a statement on the outbreak of Ebola, Museveni cautioned Ugandans to avoid activities that could spread the disease.

Two more patients who are suspected to have contracted the deadly disease have been registered in Kibaale, according to the district health officer, Dr. Dan Kyamanywa.

By Sunday evening, there were five new cases. “We have taken samples from the patients for testing,” Kyamanywa said yesterday.

Fourteen people have so far died of Ebola in the last three weeks. The 13 died in Kibaale and one of them at Mulago Hospital, where she had been transferred.  http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/633603-19-new-ebola-cases-reported-at-kagadi-hospital.html

#Ebola patient who escaped from hospital found, readmitted

Posted Tuesday, July 31 2012 at 01:00

A suspected Ebola patient whose escape from Kagadi Hospital was reported on Saturday has been found and readmitted to the hospital, the World Health Organisation said in a statement released late on Sunday.

Details of the patient were not immediately available but their escape from the health facility had sparked fears among public health officials that they could spread the Ebola virus, which is very contagious.

The WHO noted that the health response to the disease outbreak had improved as more information emerged about the Hemorrhagic fever and how to carefully take care of patients.

“More nurses from [Kagadi] hospital have volunteered to work in the isolation facility following the visit by the Director General’s delegation,” the statement noted. “With this the functionality of the isolation facility and patient care has improved greatly. Further improvement towards attaining acceptable standards will be carried out in the coming days.”..

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Ebola+patient+who+escaped+from+hospital+found++readmitted/-/688334/1467262/-/13ur0iiz/-/index.html