Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 24:21
. Five suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever have been detected in Isiro, chief town of the district of Haut Uele, in Orientale Province (north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo), reported the Associated Press agency (APA ), received Tuesday in Brussels, quoting medical sources. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=fr&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/sciences-et-sante/rdc-5-cas-suspects-d-ebola-en-province-orientale-non-loin-de-l-ouganda/article-4000162590879.htm&usg=ALkJrhgV_6PKGUePMIgVfVmcjyS107LJDA
statcounter
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Ebola outbreak in Uganda: DRC strengthens border surveillance
Monday, August 13, 2012
In recent weeks, the epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever is rife in Uganda in the District of Kibari where 60 cases and 16 deaths were already registered. In 60 cases, there are three health professionals including one death.
Because the district Kibari in which the epidemic is raging in the neighboring district of Aru in the DRC, the Congolese authorities to turn this disease do not cross borders. The Ministry of Public Health, a crisis meeting was held on Tuesday bringing together partners including WHO and MSF, the fourth branch of the Ministry of Health responsible for the fight against disease and INRB.During the meeting chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi, the issue was not only to analyze the situation on land but also to develop strategies to strengthen surveillance at borders for this epidemic does not spread in the DRC.
"It is important that we can meet in the crisis committee to evaluate, analyze and take action in relation to the protection of the population. That is why it is important that we hold this meeting epidemiological surveillance at the end of what we have taken a package of measures ..., "said Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi.
To protect the Congolese population that is mostly in border district of Uganda Kibari against this epidemic, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi called the people to be more vigilant. "We want to inform the Congolese population especially that of the province of North Kivu and Eastern Province to increase their level of vigilance against this epidemic that has ravaged Uganda. Especially when people are faced with a fever accompanied by abnormal bleeding and also explained the case of animals found dead in the forest. "
Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi also insisted on strengthening awareness. We decided, he says, to strengthen surveillance measures, awareness and community mobilization at the borders including the axis Beni-Butembo in the province of North Kivu and more at territory Aru, Dungu and Isiro in the eastern province
In addition to educating the community, the Minister of Public Health states that a joint team of Department of Public Health, WHO and MSF has been mobilized to make a descent in these border areas with sampling equipment for suspected cases but also with protective equipment
While stressing that these meetings be held regularly epidemiological surveillance to assess the situation on ground, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi invited the medical staff to use all use universal precautions from now to all fever cases that would result in the hospital. "
The observance of hygiene rules is needed
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a serious disease and short incubation period, it is advised people to observe basic hygiene rules for individual and collective self-preservation. It is advisable to wash hands with soap before preparing food, before eating and after using the latrine; boil water or disinfect with a solution chorea, eat only hot food and goods covered .
It is also advisable not to defecate near water sources, not to organize the funeral of a patient who died of Ebola hemorrhagic fever or touch his body.
Ebola is characterized by headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain loss of appetite.
http://www.groupelavenir.cd/spip.php?article46753
In recent weeks, the epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever is rife in Uganda in the District of Kibari where 60 cases and 16 deaths were already registered. In 60 cases, there are three health professionals including one death.
Because the district Kibari in which the epidemic is raging in the neighboring district of Aru in the DRC, the Congolese authorities to turn this disease do not cross borders. The Ministry of Public Health, a crisis meeting was held on Tuesday bringing together partners including WHO and MSF, the fourth branch of the Ministry of Health responsible for the fight against disease and INRB.During the meeting chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi, the issue was not only to analyze the situation on land but also to develop strategies to strengthen surveillance at borders for this epidemic does not spread in the DRC.
"It is important that we can meet in the crisis committee to evaluate, analyze and take action in relation to the protection of the population. That is why it is important that we hold this meeting epidemiological surveillance at the end of what we have taken a package of measures ..., "said Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi.
To protect the Congolese population that is mostly in border district of Uganda Kibari against this epidemic, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi called the people to be more vigilant. "We want to inform the Congolese population especially that of the province of North Kivu and Eastern Province to increase their level of vigilance against this epidemic that has ravaged Uganda. Especially when people are faced with a fever accompanied by abnormal bleeding and also explained the case of animals found dead in the forest. "
Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi also insisted on strengthening awareness. We decided, he says, to strengthen surveillance measures, awareness and community mobilization at the borders including the axis Beni-Butembo in the province of North Kivu and more at territory Aru, Dungu and Isiro in the eastern province
In addition to educating the community, the Minister of Public Health states that a joint team of Department of Public Health, WHO and MSF has been mobilized to make a descent in these border areas with sampling equipment for suspected cases but also with protective equipment
While stressing that these meetings be held regularly epidemiological surveillance to assess the situation on ground, Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi invited the medical staff to use all use universal precautions from now to all fever cases that would result in the hospital. "
The observance of hygiene rules is needed
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a serious disease and short incubation period, it is advised people to observe basic hygiene rules for individual and collective self-preservation. It is advisable to wash hands with soap before preparing food, before eating and after using the latrine; boil water or disinfect with a solution chorea, eat only hot food and goods covered .
It is also advisable not to defecate near water sources, not to organize the funeral of a patient who died of Ebola hemorrhagic fever or touch his body.
Ebola is characterized by headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain loss of appetite.
http://www.groupelavenir.cd/spip.php?article46753
North Kivu: the provincial government enacts precautions against Ebola
...The provincial government asked the people of North Kivu to avoid eating meat from chimpanzee, gorilla and other monkeys and any non-visit to Uganda.
[b]This weekend, the deputy director of the Ugandan Minister of Health stated that the hemorrhagic fever was under control. However, the foreign press referred to two new cases of Ebola at the same time.[/b] The epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever is rife in Uganda in the Kibale district where sixty cases including sixteen deaths have been recorded in recent weeks.
Already in the district of Aru in the Eastern Province, Congolese authorities have begun to turn in recent days that the disease does not cross the border, since the district in which Kibari raging epidemic is close to Aru.
Since the end of July, Uganda is facing a new epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever since July. One death was recorded at Mulago Hospital in Kampala. President Museveni had also been broadcast July 30, 2012 an audio message calling his countrymen to be vigilant.
http://radiookapi.net/actualite/2012/08/13/nord-kivu-le-gouvernement-provincial-edicte-des-mesures-preventives-contre-la-fievre-debola/#.UCpf1ciQ96s.twitter
[b]This weekend, the deputy director of the Ugandan Minister of Health stated that the hemorrhagic fever was under control. However, the foreign press referred to two new cases of Ebola at the same time.[/b] The epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever is rife in Uganda in the Kibale district where sixty cases including sixteen deaths have been recorded in recent weeks.
Already in the district of Aru in the Eastern Province, Congolese authorities have begun to turn in recent days that the disease does not cross the border, since the district in which Kibari raging epidemic is close to Aru.
Since the end of July, Uganda is facing a new epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever since July. One death was recorded at Mulago Hospital in Kampala. President Museveni had also been broadcast July 30, 2012 an audio message calling his countrymen to be vigilant.
http://radiookapi.net/actualite/2012/08/13/nord-kivu-le-gouvernement-provincial-edicte-des-mesures-preventives-contre-la-fievre-debola/#.UCpf1ciQ96s.twitter
North Kivu: the provincial government enacts precautions against Ebola
North Kivu: the provincial government enacts precautions against Ebola
Kinshasa, 14/08/2012 / Health
. The population of North Kivu is required to observe strict measures to prevent contamination of Ebola haemorrhagic fever reported in Uganda.
. The provincial Minister of Health, Mutete Mundenga prohibited the population to consume the meat of primates.. They were also asked to avoid travel to the neighboring country to the DRC, without good reason. The provincial Minister of Health has enacted such measures at the end of the provincial council of ministers held Saturday, August 11 in Goma.
The health minister said the epidemic in Uganda is at the door of the province of North Kivu. Mutete . Mutete Mundenga insisted that any case of fever accompanied by hemorrhage apparrait in villages is reported to the health center.
He has released several preventive measures:
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalcongo.net%2Farticle%2F85517
The health minister said the epidemic in Uganda is at the door of the province of North Kivu. Mutete . Mutete Mundenga insisted that any case of fever accompanied by hemorrhage apparrait in villages is reported to the health center.
He has released several preventive measures:
. "Avoid touching blood, fluids or other secretion of diseases suspected of being infected with Ebola.. The provincial government asked the people of North Kivu to avoid eating meat from chimpanzee, gorilla and other monkeys and any non-visit to Uganda.
. Also avoid touching or washing a patient who would be carrying the disease.”. Also avoid touching or washing the bodies of people who allegedly died of Ebola. "
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalcongo.net%2Farticle%2F85517
Ebola Suspected Case at Kayunga Hospital
on August 14, 2012
A suspected Ebola case at Kayunga hospital has caused panic among patients ,many of them who heard about the case on Tuesday morning have escaped from the hospital.
The 2 year old baby was admitted with Ebola like similar symptoms which included; vomiting blood, blood oozing out of the nose, ears and mouth and passing out bloody stool.
Health workers, support staff, patients and care takers have vacated the hospital.Doctors have said that the symptoms portrayed by the baby are similar to those of Ebola but they have not yet confirmed whether it is Ebola or not.
Hospital officials said that the baby is to be transferred to Mulago hospital for specialized treatment .
The Ebola fight in Kibaale district where 17 people succumbed to the disease has been successful for far with no death reported in a period of more than a week.Other suspected Ebola cases in Gulu district, Mbarara, Ntungamo were confirmed to be Ebola free.
http://www.ugandapicks.com/2012/08/ebola-suspected-case-at-kayunga-hospital-63485.html
Another Ebola Case Suspected In Jinja
Another case of Ebola has been reported in Jinja, Eastern Uganda on Thursday.
According to an Eye Report by our reader, a one Nyanzi, a baby which was admitted at Jinja Hospital Children’s Unit died on Monday.
“Parents have been refused to take their baby for burial,” Nyanzi told our news desk today morning.
If true, the development could expose the health ministry’s failure to contain the deadly epidemic and also confirm reports that it is spreading to different parts of the country.
However, according to Dr Ruth Jane Aceng, Director General of Health Services at the Health Ministry, there has been no confirmed Ebola for the last ten days in the country.
“The last confirmed case of Ebola was admitted on August 4, 2012 in Kagadi hospital. So far, a total of 43 patients have been discharged from the isolation facility at Kagadi hospital,” she said Tuesday.
Aceng says the total number of patients on admission is 11.
“Of these, two are confirmed cases of Ebola while 9 are suspected cases currently undergoing investigations. The discharged patients have been supported to reintegrate into the communities are being followed by our surveillance teams,” she notes.
“The Ministry of health wishes to inform the public that no confirmed Ebola case has been reported outside Kibaale district. We appeal to the general public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or call the following hotlines 0781295308, 0750996034,” Aceng concludes. http://www.chimpreports.com/index.php/people/health/5499-exclusive-another-ebola-case-suspected-in-jinja.html
No Ebola case confirmed in the last ten days
No Ebola case confirmed in the last ten days
Publish Date: Aug 14, 2012
The Ministry of health wishes to update the general public on Ebola outbreak in Kibaale district. The last confirmed case of Ebola was admitted on 4th August 2012 in Kagadi Hospital. There has been no confirmed case of Ebola for 10 days in the Country ..Read full release here
Publish Date: Aug 14, 2012
The Ministry of health wishes to update the general public on Ebola outbreak in Kibaale district. The last confirmed case of Ebola was admitted on 4th August 2012 in Kagadi Hospital. There has been no confirmed case of Ebola for 10 days in the Country ..Read full release here
Monday, August 13, 2012
EBOLA HEMORRHAGIC FEVER - UGANDA (17) (KIBAALAE)
Ebola hemorrhagic fever - Uganda (17): (KI)
Archive Number: 20120813.1241762
EBOLA HEMORRHAGIC FEVER - UGANDA (17) (KIBAALAE)
************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Sun 12 Aug 2012
Source: New Vision (Uganda) [summ., edited]
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/634018-how-the-deadly-ebola-came-back.html=
The outbreak of Ebola [fever] in Kibaale district is still shrouded in mystery 52 days after the 1st patient died. A mother left her 2 month old baby sleeping in a mud and wattle hut and went to her crop garden. On return, she found the baby dead. The baby's left palm had the sign of an animal bite. Neighbours who spoke to Sunday Vision suspected that it could have been a monkey, but no one really saw it. About 300 metres [328 yards] away from the family is a 10-acre [4 ha] forest and there are bushes in between, so it would be possible for a monkey or any other small animal to move unnoticed.
A 15 year old girl who touched the baby's wound, became sick 2 days later, and died on 21 Jun 2012. Eventually, 9 members of the family died but the baby's mother did not become sick. Then the baby's father and a paternal uncle fell sick. According to the national Ebola task force, the 15 year old girl was the 1st patient. However, locals insist she got the disease from the baby. Medical theory indicates that an Ebola [fever] outbreak starts when an infected animal, most likely a monkey or a bat, infects a human being. Through direct contact, s/he then infects other people. However, it is not clear how animals become infected and where the virus hides in the environment before infecting animals.
Critics have blamed the Ministry of Health for taking long to diagnose [ebolavirus infection]. By the time the ministry announced it was Ebola [fever] on 24 Jul 2012, the epidemic had gone on for 37 days, killing 14 people including a clinical officer. The ministry, on the other hand, says the outbreak was confusing because it did not show the typical symptoms [that is, little haemorrhage]. Tests have shown that the current epidemic has been caused by a strain of the virus known as Sudan ebolavirus. However, its signs are different from the previously known Sudan ebolavirus outbreaks.
According to a press statement released by the health ministry last week [week of 6 Aug 2012], the number of people contracting [ebolavirus] had reduced significantly due to increased public awareness. No case has been reported outside Kibaale, says the statement signed by Dr Denis Lwamafa on behalf of the director general of Health Services. By Thu 19 Aug 2012, 190 out of the 408 people being observed after coming in contact with Ebola fever patients had been declared free of the disease after they did not become sick within 21 days, the maximum incubation period. The ward had only 3 ebolavirus infected patients, one of whom was recovering.
But the campaign has not been without challenges and, as Dr Mbonye argues, the Kibaale outbreak should be a lesson. "The government should have an emergency fund for epidemics because every time we are faced with outbreaks, the ministry has to run to cabinet and parliament to ask for funds. This consumes a lot of time as people are dying. At least funds should be earmarked for epidemics annually," said Mbonye. Nearly half the budget for the campaign against [the current ebolavirus outbreak] has come from donors, and officials argue it is disastrous to depend on donors for epidemic responses.
According to Dr Anthony Mbonye, the commissioner for health service and head of community health, it is unusual for an Ebola [fever] patient to bleed after, rather than before death as was the case in Kibaale. The patients had high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach aches. Most of them were not bleeding until after death. It was initially mistaken for malaria.
Mbonye says the health ministry is preparing to conduct ecological studies in the area to investigate the cause of the outbreak. It might involve catching monkey, rodents, bats, and other wild animals and testing them for the virus. But we have never understood the exact animal reservoir. In Luweero we slaughtered monkeys and birds in pursuit of the cause but the results were negative," says Mbonye. "What we know is that ebolavirus is highly infectious. If an infected monkey, for instance, ate part of a fruit, you don't need to eat it to catch the virus; you can get infected if you touch it and don't disinfect your hands."
Although the current outbreak is small, it has a big impact on the economy. Already the tourism sector has begun feeling the pinch as some tourists cancel trips for fear of catching the deadly contagious virus.
[byline: Francis Kagolo, Ismael Kasooha]
-- communicated by: ProMED-mail rapporteur Mary Marshall
[At this time ProMED-mail has seen no independent information to verify this account of the early events in the outbreak of Sudan ebolavirus infection in Kibaale.
Kibaale District is a district in Western Uganda. It is named after its principal town where the district headquarters are located. Kibaale can be located on the map of the districts of Uganda at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Uganda. A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/2Xz8. - Mod.CP]
Archive Number: 20120813.1241762
EBOLA HEMORRHAGIC FEVER - UGANDA (17) (KIBAALAE)
************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Sun 12 Aug 2012
Source: New Vision (Uganda) [summ., edited]
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/634018-how-the-deadly-ebola-came-back.html=
The outbreak of Ebola [fever] in Kibaale district is still shrouded in mystery 52 days after the 1st patient died. A mother left her 2 month old baby sleeping in a mud and wattle hut and went to her crop garden. On return, she found the baby dead. The baby's left palm had the sign of an animal bite. Neighbours who spoke to Sunday Vision suspected that it could have been a monkey, but no one really saw it. About 300 metres [328 yards] away from the family is a 10-acre [4 ha] forest and there are bushes in between, so it would be possible for a monkey or any other small animal to move unnoticed.
A 15 year old girl who touched the baby's wound, became sick 2 days later, and died on 21 Jun 2012. Eventually, 9 members of the family died but the baby's mother did not become sick. Then the baby's father and a paternal uncle fell sick. According to the national Ebola task force, the 15 year old girl was the 1st patient. However, locals insist she got the disease from the baby. Medical theory indicates that an Ebola [fever] outbreak starts when an infected animal, most likely a monkey or a bat, infects a human being. Through direct contact, s/he then infects other people. However, it is not clear how animals become infected and where the virus hides in the environment before infecting animals.
Critics have blamed the Ministry of Health for taking long to diagnose [ebolavirus infection]. By the time the ministry announced it was Ebola [fever] on 24 Jul 2012, the epidemic had gone on for 37 days, killing 14 people including a clinical officer. The ministry, on the other hand, says the outbreak was confusing because it did not show the typical symptoms [that is, little haemorrhage]. Tests have shown that the current epidemic has been caused by a strain of the virus known as Sudan ebolavirus. However, its signs are different from the previously known Sudan ebolavirus outbreaks.
According to a press statement released by the health ministry last week [week of 6 Aug 2012], the number of people contracting [ebolavirus] had reduced significantly due to increased public awareness. No case has been reported outside Kibaale, says the statement signed by Dr Denis Lwamafa on behalf of the director general of Health Services. By Thu 19 Aug 2012, 190 out of the 408 people being observed after coming in contact with Ebola fever patients had been declared free of the disease after they did not become sick within 21 days, the maximum incubation period. The ward had only 3 ebolavirus infected patients, one of whom was recovering.
But the campaign has not been without challenges and, as Dr Mbonye argues, the Kibaale outbreak should be a lesson. "The government should have an emergency fund for epidemics because every time we are faced with outbreaks, the ministry has to run to cabinet and parliament to ask for funds. This consumes a lot of time as people are dying. At least funds should be earmarked for epidemics annually," said Mbonye. Nearly half the budget for the campaign against [the current ebolavirus outbreak] has come from donors, and officials argue it is disastrous to depend on donors for epidemic responses.
According to Dr Anthony Mbonye, the commissioner for health service and head of community health, it is unusual for an Ebola [fever] patient to bleed after, rather than before death as was the case in Kibaale. The patients had high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach aches. Most of them were not bleeding until after death. It was initially mistaken for malaria.
Mbonye says the health ministry is preparing to conduct ecological studies in the area to investigate the cause of the outbreak. It might involve catching monkey, rodents, bats, and other wild animals and testing them for the virus. But we have never understood the exact animal reservoir. In Luweero we slaughtered monkeys and birds in pursuit of the cause but the results were negative," says Mbonye. "What we know is that ebolavirus is highly infectious. If an infected monkey, for instance, ate part of a fruit, you don't need to eat it to catch the virus; you can get infected if you touch it and don't disinfect your hands."
Although the current outbreak is small, it has a big impact on the economy. Already the tourism sector has begun feeling the pinch as some tourists cancel trips for fear of catching the deadly contagious virus.
[byline: Francis Kagolo, Ismael Kasooha]
-- communicated by: ProMED-mail rapporteur Mary Marshall
[At this time ProMED-mail has seen no independent information to verify this account of the early events in the outbreak of Sudan ebolavirus infection in Kibaale.
Kibaale District is a district in Western Uganda. It is named after its principal town where the district headquarters are located. Kibaale can be located on the map of the districts of Uganda at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Uganda. A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/2Xz8. - Mod.CP]
DRC: Alert Ebola outbreak- Tests are negative so far
Monday, August 13, 2012Last update: 3:53 p.m. GMT
DRC: Alert Ebola outbreak
Kesseng by Rachel - 13/08/2012
Five suspected cases of the deadly hemorrhagic fever were reported in Eastern Province
The Ebola virus is back in the DRC. According to the provincial medical inspector of the Eastern Province Five suspected cases of haemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola virus said, were detected in Isiro, chief town of the district of Haut Uele in Orientale Province in north-eastern DRC. Another case, whose death ensued, was notified in Dungu, one of six areas that make up the district of Haut Uele. We are awaiting test results to diagnose the virus as it always.
http://journaldekin.com/article.php?aid=1288
DRC: Alert Ebola outbreak
Kesseng by Rachel - 13/08/2012
Five suspected cases of the deadly hemorrhagic fever were reported in Eastern Province
The Ebola virus is back in the DRC. According to the provincial medical inspector of the Eastern Province Five suspected cases of haemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola virus said, were detected in Isiro, chief town of the district of Haut Uele in Orientale Province in north-eastern DRC. Another case, whose death ensued, was notified in Dungu, one of six areas that make up the district of Haut Uele. We are awaiting test results to diagnose the virus as it always.
http://journaldekin.com/article.php?aid=1288
Ban on public gatherings in Kibaale District continues
Gatherings such as these could pread Ebola. Contact with a person with Ebola spreads the virus
Ultimate Media
Public gatherings continue to be banned in Kibaale district despite significant progress made in handling the Ebola disease.
Kibaale district woman Member of Parliament Robinnah Nabbanja says local leaders continue to disseminate warnings against public gatherings because the country has not yet been declared Ebola free.
She says although there has been some remarkable achievement in the fight against Ebola with only 3 confirmed cases under treatment, chances of reporting new cases due to gatherings are still very high.
Nabanja attributes the success to the fast response and vigilance of the different government bodies and aid agencies like the Uganda Red Cross Society.
The disease has so far killed over 16 people and over 100 persons who got in contact with Ebola patients are still being monitored.
However businessmen are not happy with the continued ban on markets and weddings saying that they have failed to meet loan obligations due such bans. They have now threatened to demonstrate against the ban. http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/ban-on-public-gatherings-in-kibaale-district-continues/26726.aspx
IDI donates protective gear for lower health facilities in Kibaale
20120813 11:53:53 AM EST
The Infectious Disease Institute has donated medical equipment worth 25 million to Kibaale district to prepare lower level health facilitates for Ebola Response.
The Items include protective gear, disinfectants, cleaning materials and drugs.
According to the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr Alex Cotinho the donation is to benefit at least 53 health centers 4, 3 and 2 s in the district.
Dr. Cotinho adds that the equipment will assist in handling the highly contagious disease at community level before suspected cases are referred to Kagadi hospital.
The highly infectious disease presents with high grade fever and bleeding, head headache vomiting abdominal pain and kills within just a short time. http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/idi-donates-protective-gear-for-lower-health-facilities-in-kibaale/26743.aspx
The Infectious Disease Institute has donated medical equipment worth 25 million to Kibaale district to prepare lower level health facilitates for Ebola Response.
The Items include protective gear, disinfectants, cleaning materials and drugs.
According to the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr Alex Cotinho the donation is to benefit at least 53 health centers 4, 3 and 2 s in the district.
Dr. Cotinho adds that the equipment will assist in handling the highly contagious disease at community level before suspected cases are referred to Kagadi hospital.
The highly infectious disease presents with high grade fever and bleeding, head headache vomiting abdominal pain and kills within just a short time. http://www.ugpulse.com/uganda-news/health/idi-donates-protective-gear-for-lower-health-facilities-in-kibaale/26743.aspx
H3N2v Influenza-UPDATE
H3N2v Influenza
Updated August 13, 2012
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that since August 2011, 164 cases of H3N2v influenza infection of people have been reported in 9 states.
To date, the states affected (and the number of cases reported in each state) are Hawaii (1); Illinois (1); Indiana (120); Iowa (3); Maine (2); Ohio (31); Pennsylvania (3); Utah (1); and West Virginia (2). No deaths have been reported. For the cases reported in 2011, there was limited human-to-human transmission, but in all of the 2012 cases for which contact information was present, people reported contact with swine and/or attendance at a fair at which swine were present.
This shouldn't prevent you from attending fairs with animal exhibits, but it does mean that you should take precautions to protect yourself and your family. These precautions should be taken any time you are in contact with animal exhibits, regardless of whether or not you're in an area currently affected by this outbreak. And these precautions are recommended for any animal exhibit, but are particularly important when visiting swine (pig) exhibits.
At this time, we are not aware of any pets infected or sickened by the H3N2v influenza. However, the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus was transmitted to a smalll number of pets by their ill owners and it is best to consider this a possibility with this virus until proven otherwise.
This influenza is not transmissible to people or pets through properly handled and prepared (cooked) pork and pork products.Â
Additional resources:
CDC
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that since August 2011, 164 cases of H3N2v influenza infection of people have been reported in 9 states.
To date, the states affected (and the number of cases reported in each state) are Hawaii (1); Illinois (1); Indiana (120); Iowa (3); Maine (2); Ohio (31); Pennsylvania (3); Utah (1); and West Virginia (2). No deaths have been reported. For the cases reported in 2011, there was limited human-to-human transmission, but in all of the 2012 cases for which contact information was present, people reported contact with swine and/or attendance at a fair at which swine were present.
This shouldn't prevent you from attending fairs with animal exhibits, but it does mean that you should take precautions to protect yourself and your family. These precautions should be taken any time you are in contact with animal exhibits, regardless of whether or not you're in an area currently affected by this outbreak. And these precautions are recommended for any animal exhibit, but are particularly important when visiting swine (pig) exhibits.
- If you are pregnant; immunocompromised (e.g. by chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive drugs, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other diseases that reduce your immune system's ability to fight off disease); already ill from another disease; have health conditions that increase your risk of complications from the flu (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease); or elderly, you should consider viewing the exhibits (and particularly swine exhibits) from farther away or avoiding them altogether. If you choose to visit animal exhibits, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself. Consult with your healthcare provider about the recommended precautions.
- Do not allow very young children to come in contact with swine. Prevent your children from touching their mouths or faces while in the exhibit and until their hands have been thoroughly washed.Â
- Never take toys, pacifiers, spill-proof cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after handling animals.Â
- While in the animal exhibit area, do not put your mouth or face in contact with any animals. Avoid touching your mouth and face during or after handling animals unless you have thoroughly washed your hands.Â
- Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill. These animals may have runny eyes or noses; be coughing or sneezing; be acting lethargic; and/or may be separating themselves from other animals in the pen.
- Do not eat or drink in the animal exhibit.
- Do not take food or drinks into the animal exhibit.
- After leaving an animal exhibit area, wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or putting anything in your mouth.Â
- Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Avoid contact for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer.
At this time, we are not aware of any pets infected or sickened by the H3N2v influenza. However, the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus was transmitted to a smalll number of pets by their ill owners and it is best to consider this a possibility with this virus until proven otherwise.
This influenza is not transmissible to people or pets through properly handled and prepared (cooked) pork and pork products.Â
Additional resources:
CDC
- Information on Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Viruses ("H3N2v")
- H3N2v influenza virus page
- Fact sheet: Protect Yourself against H3N2v
- What people who raise pigs need to know about influenza (flu)Â
- Evaluation of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests for Influenza A (H3N2)v Virus and Updated Case Count - United States, 2012
- Animal Contact Compendium
- Poster: Safety at Animal Exhibits
- Poster: Wash Hands When Leaving Animal Exhibits (also available in Spanish)
https://www.avma.org/KB/Pages/H3N2v-Influenza.aspx
One under Monitoring for Ebola in Kisoro
2012-08-13 18:41:30
Kisoro hospital medical superintendent Dr. Micheal Baganizi confirms the case and says that the hospital is working hard to ensure that the patient gets the care he needs. http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=44411
DRC-Nine suspected cases of Ebola- NEGATIVE SO FAR
there were 9 suspected cases. we will see if true or not.
EASTERN: Nine suspected cases of Ebola, including 5 deaths, reported in Dungu and Isiro where a mission of the Ministry of Health, WHO and MSF to deploy to support the situation http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/rapport-de-situation-humanitaire-sur-la-rdc-10-ao%C3%BBt-2012
EASTERN: Nine suspected cases of Ebola, including 5 deaths, reported in Dungu and Isiro where a mission of the Ministry of Health, WHO and MSF to deploy to support the situation http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/rapport-de-situation-humanitaire-sur-la-rdc-10-ao%C3%BBt-2012
DRC: Blood samples test negative for Ebola
Fears of an Ebola outbreak in northeastern DRC were dispelled after a World Health Organisation team sent to investigate found that suspected cases of the disease were not, in fact, Ebola, the agency stated on Monday. Blood samples from suspected Ebola victims were taken to the National Institute of virology in South Africa, where they tested negative for the Ebola virus, an official told IRIN. “It may take quite some time to establish which haemorrhagic fever caused those syndromes,” the official added. There had been persistent rumours of Ebola cases in Dungu, Bengadi, Isiro, Buta, Nyankunde and Bunia, the Inter Press agency reported on Monday. http://www.irinnews.org/printreport.aspx?reportid=16692
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Schools handball event cancelled over Ebola
The East African Schools Handball Championship that was slated to start on August 25 in Burundi has been called off due to the recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Sixteen people have so far died of Ebola in Uganda yet the country was to enter three schools in the Burundi event.
“We don’t need to be reminded of how dangerous this disease is,” Sheila Richardson, the handball federation president said while closing a coaches and referees’ course at Lugogo at the weekend.
[link to www.monitor.co.ug]
Sixteen people have so far died of Ebola in Uganda yet the country was to enter three schools in the Burundi event.
“We don’t need to be reminded of how dangerous this disease is,” Sheila Richardson, the handball federation president said while closing a coaches and referees’ course at Lugogo at the weekend.
[link to www.monitor.co.ug]
KEMRI CONFIRMS NO EBOLA IN MOMBASA .
Sunday, 12 August 2012 11:03 The Star
.
Results of a suspected Ebola case reported in Mombasa have tested negative. Anisa Omar, Coast Provincial Director of Public and Sanitation says results from the Kenya Medical Research Institute indicated that the man was suffering from normal throat flu. The patient a truck driver had been quarantined at Mombasa’s Aga Khan Hospital on suspicion that he was infected with the virus upon arrival from Uganda.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/classicnews/89233-kemri-confirms-no-ebola-in-mombasa
.
Results of a suspected Ebola case reported in Mombasa have tested negative. Anisa Omar, Coast Provincial Director of Public and Sanitation says results from the Kenya Medical Research Institute indicated that the man was suffering from normal throat flu. The patient a truck driver had been quarantined at Mombasa’s Aga Khan Hospital on suspicion that he was infected with the virus upon arrival from Uganda.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/classicnews/89233-kemri-confirms-no-ebola-in-mombasa
DRC: 5 suspected cases of Ebola virus detected in Eastern Province
Sunday, August 12, 2012
DRC: 5 suspected cases of Ebola virus detected in Eastern Province
(Xinhua) - Five suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever have been detected in Isiro, chief town of the district of Haut Uele, Orientale Province (north-eastern DRC), said Jean-Marc Madindi Sunday, provincial medical inspector of the Eastern Province.
"Another case where death ensued, was notified in Dungu, one of six areas that make up the district of Haut Uele. We are waiting for test results to diagnose the virus," said Mr. Madindi, adding that all cases are closely monitored in Dungu and Isiro, without giving further details.
The outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (VHF) has emerged since last July, 200 km from Kampala in Uganda, killing 14 people on 20 confirmed cases.
Given the proximity between the Eastern Province and the eastern part of Uganda, and the intense traffic between the two countries, humanitarian actors in DRC has taken preventive measures to deal with this epidemic.
http://www.afriscoop.net/journal/spip.php?breve12773
DRC: 5 suspected cases of Ebola virus detected in Eastern Province
(Xinhua) - Five suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever have been detected in Isiro, chief town of the district of Haut Uele, Orientale Province (north-eastern DRC), said Jean-Marc Madindi Sunday, provincial medical inspector of the Eastern Province.
"Another case where death ensued, was notified in Dungu, one of six areas that make up the district of Haut Uele. We are waiting for test results to diagnose the virus," said Mr. Madindi, adding that all cases are closely monitored in Dungu and Isiro, without giving further details.
The outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (VHF) has emerged since last July, 200 km from Kampala in Uganda, killing 14 people on 20 confirmed cases.
Given the proximity between the Eastern Province and the eastern part of Uganda, and the intense traffic between the two countries, humanitarian actors in DRC has taken preventive measures to deal with this epidemic.
http://www.afriscoop.net/journal/spip.php?breve12773
Yet another suspected Ebola patient admitted in Mwanza
12th August 2012
The patient is suspected to be suffering from
severe symptoms that resemble those of the dreaded disease -- less than a week
after news earlier broke in Karagwe district, Kagera region, claiming that a
patient with similar symptoms was also hospitalized at Nyakahanga designated
hospital in the region.
In the wake of last week’s reports from
Nyakahanga, the government quickly dispatched a team of medical officers and
nurses to the area, all fully equipped to thoroughly diagnose a patient whose
symptoms had since not been fully confirmed to be that of the viruses that cause
Ebola to date.
According to the Mwanza Regional Medical Officer
(RMO), Dr Valentino Francis Bangi, the Mwanza case was first reported at the
Sekou Teure regional hospital and later referred to Bugando referral hospital –
before the patient was sent back for readmission at the Sekou Teure
facility.
The RMO told The Guardian On Sunday in a telephone
interview yesterday that his hospital had received a patient on Monday this week
who, upon proper diagnosis, was found to be suffering from dysentery and severe
abdominal pains. The patient also suffered from urethral strictures, as a result
of which he had difficulty passing urine.
According to Dr Bangi, the first onset of
strictures often cause ‘mental confusion’ among patients. Such symptoms, he
added, also cause ‘fear among the people’ but he has urged them not to panic or
to be afraid when they come across such patients.
“It’s a normal disease … despite its symptoms,” he
says
He has also dispelled further fears of a possible
outbreak of Ebola because his diagnosis on the patient, a young man aged between
23 and 27 years, displayed symptoms that were less severe than those seen in
Ebola victims.
“I am 80 percent sure that the symptoms seen in
the patient are not those of Ebola …,” he argued.
Even then, the RMO said he had since taken blood
samples from the patient and flown them to Dar es Salaam (Friday night) for
further investigation. The same samples would subsequently be sent over to a
better-equipped facility at the Entebbe medical laboratory in Uganda for
thorough medical check-up.
Meanwhile, the Mwanza regional hospital has warned
people to take precautionary measures against any possible outbreak of the
dreaded Ebola.
Efforts to clarify matters with the Minister for
Health and Social Social welfare, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, bore no fruit because his
phone wasn’t answering at first, before it was finally disconnected.
However, deputy minister Dr. Seif Selemani Rashid
noted that that “there are so many symptoms which resemble” those of the Ebola
disease.
Even then, he added: “Experts in the ministry
normally take blood samples from suspected patients for further medical check up
in order to prove the presence of the real virus causing the disease … this is
what we did with the blood samples of the patient at Nyakahanga hospital … which
we received at headquarters (in Dar) last week.”
In view of these development, he asked all people
living in ‘suspect’ areas to be calm but still take necessary measures in case
of an outbreak.
A ministry spokesperson, Nsachriss Mwamaja, was
recently quoted as saying that the ministry would soon announce the results of a
blood samples taken from Nyakahanga hospital. http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/?l=44666
How the deadly Ebola came back
Publish Date: Aug 12, 2012
- Health workers preparing to handle Ebola patients at Kagadi Hospital.
By Francis Kagolo and Ismael Kasooha
Fifty two days after the first patient died of Ebola in Kibaale district, the outbreak is still shrouded in mystery. A mother left her two-month-old baby sleeping in a mud and wattle hut and went to her crop garden.
On return, she found the baby dead. The baby’s left palm had the sign of an animal bite. Neighbours who spoke to Sunday Vision suspected that it could have been a monkey, but no one really saw it.
About 300 metres away from the family is a 10-acre forest and there are bushes in between, so it would be possible for a monkey or any other small animal to move unnoticed.
Two days later, a 15-year-old girl, Winnie Mbabazi, who touched the baby’s wound, became sick and died on June 21. Eventually, nine members of the family died but the baby’s mother did not become sick. Then the baby’s father, Fred Bahemuka and a paternal uncle fell sick.
According to the national Ebola task force, Mbabazi was the first patient.
However, the locals insist she got the disease from the baby. Medical theory indicates that an Ebola outbreak starts when an infected animal, most likely a monkey or a bat, infects a human being. Through direct contact, she/he then infects other people.
However, it is not clear how animals become infected and where the virus hides in the environment before infecting animals.
Critics have blamed the Ministry of Health for taking long to diagnose Ebola.
By the time the ministry announced it was Ebola on July 24, the epidemic had gone on for 37 days, killing 14 people including a clinical officer.
The ministry, on the other hand, says the outbreak was confusing because it did not show the typical symptoms. Tests have shown that the current epidemic has been caused by a strain of the virus known as Ebola Sudan. However, its signs are different from the previously known Ebola Sudan outbreaks.
According to a press statement released by the health ministry last week, the number of people contracting Ebola had reduced significantly due to increased public awareness. No case has been reported outside Kibaale, says the statement signed by Dr. Denis Lwamafa on behalf of the Director General of Health Services.
By Thursday, 190 out of the 408 people being observed after coming in contact with ebola patients had been declared free of the disease after they did not become sick within 21 days, the maximum incubation period. The ward had only three Ebola patients, of whom one was recovering.
WHAT NEXT?
But the campaign has not been without challenges and, as Dr. Mbonye argues, the Kibaale outbreak should be a lesson.
“The Government should have an emergency fund for epidemics because every time we are faced with outbreaks, the ministry has to run to Cabinet and Parliament to ask for funds. This consumes a lot of time as people are dying. At least sh2b should be earmarked for epidemics annually,” said Mbonye.
Nearly half the budget for the campaign against Ebola (about sh800m) has come from donors, and offi cials argue it is disastrous to depend on donors for epidemics response.
Mbonye also says that Uganda needs permanent structures for isolation centres and standby equipment.
HEALTH MINISTRY’S TAKE
According to Dr. Anthony Mbonye, the commissioner for health service and head of community health, it is unusual for an Ebola patient to bleed after, rather than before death as was the case in Kibaale. The patients had high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach aches. Most of them were not bleeding until after death. It was initially mistaken for malaria.
Mbonye says the health ministry is preparing to conduct ecological studies in the area to investigate the cause of the outbreak. It might involve catching monkey, rodents, bats and other wild animals and testing them for the virus.
“We infer that Ebola spreads from primates, rodents and birds and the index case would be living near forests where such animals are.
But we have never understood the exact animal reservoir. In Luweero we slaughtered monkeys and birds in pursuit of the cause but the results were negative,” says Mbonye. “What we know is that Ebola is highly infectious.
If an infected monkey, for instance, ate part of a fruit, you don’t need to eat it to catch the virus; you can get infected if you touch it and don’t disinfect your hands.”
EFFECT ON TOURISM NOT AS BAD AS EARLIER FEARED
Although the current outbreak is small, it has a big impact on the economy. Already the tourism sector, which fetches about $800m to the national GDP annually, has begun feeling the pinch as some tourists cancel trips for fear of catching the deadly contagious virus.
The Associated Press last week quoted British businessman John Hunwick saying his clients were “absolutely petrified” and wanted to go home, and that he lost $6,000 in cancelled tours on July 31.
But Amos Wekesa, a private tour operator, commends the Government’s openness in combating the outbreak. Wekesa said tourists had started making bookings again after they were assured that the situation was under control. http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/634018-how-the-deadly-ebola-came-back.html
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Ebola Suspected Case in Lira District negative
Ebola Suspected Case in Lira District
By Emmanuel Omona Workers in Lira Regional Referral Hospital are in panic after the admission of a suspected Ebola patient . Henry Lewgalethe a resident of Rainbow trading center,Lira town was rushed to the facility on Wednesday night at around 11pm ...
http://www.ugandapicks.com/2012/08/ebola-suspected-case-in-lira-district-65044.html
I have been told this dude is negative
By Emmanuel Omona Workers in Lira Regional Referral Hospital are in panic after the admission of a suspected Ebola patient . Henry Lewgalethe a resident of Rainbow trading center,Lira town was rushed to the facility on Wednesday night at around 11pm ...
http://www.ugandapicks.com/2012/08/ebola-suspected-case-in-lira-district-65044.html
I have been told this dude is negative
mombassa video
Published on Aug 11, 2012 by K24TV
Man admitted in Mombasa with Ebola symptoms
Panic has gripped Mombasa town after a middle aged man having symptoms similar to those of Ebola was admitted at the Aga Khan Hospital.As word went round that a suspected Ebola case had been reported in the hospital, security at the facility was heightened with more restriction being put on people walking in.
Panic has gripped Mombasa town after a middle aged man having symptoms similar to those of Ebola was admitted at the Aga Khan Hospital.As word went round that a suspected Ebola case had been reported in the hospital, security at the facility was heightened with more restriction being put on people walking in.
Uganda’s Deadly Ebola Outbreak Under Control
The outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Uganda appears to be under control, says the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
The last confirmed death from Ebola took place 11 days ago, MSF epidemiologist Dr Paul Roddy told the BBC.But he warned that if a pocket of the virus was missed it could erupt once more.
He said there had been 19 confirmed and probable deaths during the outbreak.
“We are still receiving admissions of individuals that meet the clinical and epidemiological case definitions, but http://redpepper.co.ug/welcome/?p=42125
Ebola affects schools’ sports participation
20120811 12:18:13 PM EST
Lira district has shied away from inter school sports competition that were to take place at the landing site in Entebbe citing fear of Ebola.
Students from doctor Obote college were supposed to represent Lira district in the volleyball tournament that the t kicked off yesterday.
It has emerged that Lira district blocked teams from the school from traveling for the tournament citing the out break of Ebola in Kibaale and some cases in some parts of Uganda.
The district education officials are worried about the lives of the students who the say might be exposed to Ebola
The district has also resolved not to have sent there teams to 4 coming national volleyball games competition in Masaka district.
Three more suspected Ebola deaths registered in Kibaale
Sunday, August 12 2012 at 01:00Kibaale.
Medical officials in Kibaale District on Friday registered three more suspected cases of people killed by Ebola, bringing the death registered in communities from suspected Ebola hemorrhagic fever to over 20.
The three died from three different areas of Bufunjo Sub-county, Kyenjojo District: Yerusalemu LCI, Kashagari Parish in Kyakabadiima Sub-county and Kahyooro village in Bwamiramira Sub-county.
The Kibaale District Health Officer, Dr Dan Kyamanywa, who confirmed the deaths, said the district Ebola taskforce sent a burial team to the respective villages to bury the deceased.
The residents of the areas where the deceased were residing were apparently terrified by the untimely death of the patients and petitioned the health officials to intervene.
“We sent the burial team which also obtained samples from the deceased,” Mr Kyamanywa told Sunday Monitor on Friday evening.
The samples were by press time being taken to the Uganda Virus Research Institute for testing. While tests have confirmed that 16 people died of the hemorrhagic fever, medical surveillance teams say death registered in communities suspected to be as a result of Ebola continues to rise and is estimated to be over 20.
By press time, many residents of Kibaale were concerned that renewed infection rates could further worsen the prevalence of the disease. But Dr Kyamanywa urged the public to be calm, saying the medical team had intensified surveillance to detect any new infections.
The Ministry of Health on Wednesday cleared Kagadi Hospital in Kibaale District, which has been handling cases of Ebola patients, to resume normal routine. This was after Kibaale District health authorities on Tuesday discharged 10 patients who were admitted at Kagadi Hospital on suspicion of being infected with Ebola.
A total of 408 people, have been monitored for possible signs of Ebola. Of these, 190 have passed the 21 days necessary for monitoring and were cleared while 211 cases are still being followed up.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Three+more+suspected+Ebola+deaths+registered+in+Kibaale/-/688334/1477118/-/8xy57nz/-/index.html
Doctor: Uganda Ebola outbreak tapering off
Aug. 11, 2012 at 3:26 PM
KIGADI, Uganda, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- With no confirmed deaths in 11 days, the latest outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Uganda appears to be tapering off, a doctor says.
Dr. Paul Roddy, an epidemiologist with the French medical charity Doctors Without Borders, told the BBC the disease could flare up again and the outbreak will not be defined as contained until no cases have been confirmed for 42 days.
Read more: [link to www.upi.com]
Perfect storm: Did refugees fleeing Congo conflict bring Ebola with them?
Saturday, August 11 2012 at 16:03
The Ebola outbreak in western Uganda over the past two weeks reveals how violent conflict, porous borders and poor healthcare infrastructure have created the perfect storm to make the region particularly susceptible to the deadly disease.
The latest outbreak has deepened the puzzle for scientists who are wondering why in recent years the epicentre of the haemorrhagic fever appears to have shifted from the Congo and Central African Republic to Uganda.
The entire region is now on high alert with concern rising that the virus could spread to Kenya and Tanzania given the frequent movement of people between the three countries.
Two suspected cases are under investigation in Tanzania in Kagera Region near the border with Uganda, and another two suspected cases in Kenya—one in Central and the other in Western Province. None of the cases have been confirmed to be Ebola.
The latest outbreak in Uganda has been linked an influx of an estimated 20,000 refugees from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo fleeing fighting in North Kivu province. But a direct cause-and-effect link between the entry of refugees and the outbreak of the disease has not been established.??
Still, porous borders are a feature of the entire East African region, particularly when violent conflict pushes large numbers of people across borders.
Apart from the eastern DRC-Uganda border, other borders that have recently experienced the pressure of conflict are the Uganda-South Sudan border; the Kenya-Somalia border; and the Tanzania-Burundi border.
But it is not just conflict that drives people across borders; the search for better economic opportunities, too, has driven people to neighbouring countries in the EAC, particularly with the inauguration of the Common Market Protocol.
Even though scientists cannot put a finger on the next country that is likely to be hit, they consider Kenya and Tanzania, and to a smaller extent, Rwanda and Burundi, to be out of the Ebola virus’s geographical distribution.
According to Medecins Sans Frontiers’ Paul Roddy, despite the three instances in Uganda, claiming nearly 300 lives in total, the greater East African region largely remains free of Ebola because the virus’s concentration is in the Central Africa region.
Like Marburg, Ebola is a virus that is passed on from and/or by primates to humans, but the puzzle that scientists are trying to unravel is why especially Uganda, South Sudan and DR Congo, are the most susceptible to Ebola outbreaks.
Dr Roddy said that recent research shows that the geographical distribution of Ebola stretches across the African continent from Uganda to Gabon, and from Sudan all the way to Angola.
However, “evidence from individual cases shows that the virus is in circulation from Central African Republic.”
In essence, other regions in the greater East Africa are not prone to the Ebola virus because they lie out of its geographical loop despite the fact that humans in those regions also interact with the forests.
2 more full pages here [link to www.theeastafrican.co.ke]
Kenya says Homa Bay patient had pneumonia
Medics at Homa Bay District Hospital have allayed fears over an outbreak of Ebola after a patient suspected to have Ebola virus tested negative. The patient had been admitted at the hospital last week with symptoms similar to those of Ebola. The hospital's medical superintendent Ojwang Ayoma, said the 24-year old Atieno Obunga was suffering from acute pneumonia. http://www.the-star.co.ke/local/western--nyanza/88985-fear-over-ebola-allayed-in-homa-bay
Friday, August 10, 2012
Swine Flu Cases Rising With New H3N2 Strain, Now Transmissible From Human
Swine flu is making a comeback as a new strain of the virus has begun spreading, with more than 100 U.S. cases reported this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surprising culprit? State and county fairs. And doctors warn it has become much easier to transmit among humans...
.."This time of the year is the time when you have fairs around the country ... thousands of them," Bresee told CNN. "That accounts for the increased transmission more than anything else."
[link to www.ibtimes.co.uk]
.."This time of the year is the time when you have fairs around the country ... thousands of them," Bresee told CNN. "That accounts for the increased transmission more than anything else."
[link to www.ibtimes.co.uk]
Driver with 'ebola' symptoms quarantined in Mombasa
Health officials at the Aga Khan Hospital
confirmed that
the 61- year-old man was admitted at the hospital on
Friday as soon as he arrived, and kept in isolation
.
the 61- year-old man was admitted at the hospital on
Friday as soon as he arrived, and kept in isolation
.
MOMBASA, (Xinhua) -- A
long-distance truck driver has been quarantined at a Mombasa hospital.
The patient was admitted that the Aga Khan Hospital after he was
suspected to be infected with the deadly Ebola virus, a few days after his
arrival from Kampala, Uganda.
Health officials at the Aga Khan Hospital confirmed that the 61- year-old man was admitted at the hospital on Friday as soon as he arrived, and kept in isolation...
Fears of Ebola outbreak as patient admitted in Kenya's coast
|
| English.news.cn 2012-08-11 00:55:38 |
MOMBASA, KENYA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Fears gripped Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa on Friday after a truck driver was quarantined at the local hospital.
The patient was admitted that the Aga Khan Hospital after he was suspected to be infected with the deadly Ebola virus, a few days after his arrival from Kampala, Uganda.
Health officials at the Aga Khan Hospital confirmed that the 61- year-old man was admitted at the hospital on Friday as soon as he arrived, and kept in isolation.
The Coast Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Anisa Omar said the truck driver was admitted and found to be having symptoms of fatigue, sore throat and fever, prompting doctors to seclude him from the rest of the patients at the hospital.
"Yes, it's true the man was in Kampala from Aug. 3 and when he arrived at the facility, he was found to be having those symptoms, " Omar said.
He said the truck driver decided to seek medical attention at Agha Khan Hospital where he was isolated from the other patients after being examined by the doctors.
"He is a truck driver and he is likely to have contracted the virus while on his trip. But what I can tell Kenyans is that our doctors are on high alert and that is why they were able to detect the symptoms. We are yet to confirm if indeed it is Ebola," said Anisa.
The driver only identified as Moses, was examined by doctors at the hospital who said he had symptoms resembling those of Ebola, but tests would be conducted to confirm the same.
Omar said that the patient's blood samples have been taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi and the results will be relayed as soon as they are back.
She at the same time allayed fears of the virus spreading to other parts of the region urging that the situation was under control.
The incident comes a week after Public Health and Sanitation Minister Beth Mugo assured the country that the government was doing all it can to shield Kenyans from the deadly virus.
The development comes as a team of experts from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are supporting the Ugandan government's response to an Ebola outbreak in the western part of the country.
The initial case was identified on July 28 in a family from the village of Nyanswiga, where 9 of the deaths were recorded. The total number has since risen to more than 15.
The deceased include a clinical officer who attended to a patient, and her 4 month-old child. Nine of the 14 deaths have occurred in a single household, according to WHO.
Both cases were admitted to hospital with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Uganda has previously experienced outbreaks of Ebola fever, but the most recent outbreak was declared over in early 2008.
Last week, fears of an Ebola outbreak gripped the residents of Siaya and Eldoret Counties in Western and northwest Kenya respectively had caused panic in the country after words went round that suspect cases had been detected.
Experts say there is an urgent need to increase public awareness on this deadly disease as well as to put in place as strong surveillance mechanism to allow for proper follow-up of all the cases.
The East African nation has been full alert following the outbreak of the deadly disease in neighboring Uganda last week. The government has since established a taskforce to respond to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Uganda.
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, other bodily fluids or organs of infected persons or animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys and antelopes, and it has an incubation period of two to 21 days.
Sufferers can experience fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat, as well as vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and impaired kidney and liver function. In the most severe cases, the virus leads to both external and internal bleeding. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-08/11/c_131777040.htm
The patient was admitted that the Aga Khan Hospital after he was suspected to be infected with the deadly Ebola virus, a few days after his arrival from Kampala, Uganda.
Health officials at the Aga Khan Hospital confirmed that the 61- year-old man was admitted at the hospital on Friday as soon as he arrived, and kept in isolation.
The Coast Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Anisa Omar said the truck driver was admitted and found to be having symptoms of fatigue, sore throat and fever, prompting doctors to seclude him from the rest of the patients at the hospital.
"Yes, it's true the man was in Kampala from Aug. 3 and when he arrived at the facility, he was found to be having those symptoms, " Omar said.
He said the truck driver decided to seek medical attention at Agha Khan Hospital where he was isolated from the other patients after being examined by the doctors.
"He is a truck driver and he is likely to have contracted the virus while on his trip. But what I can tell Kenyans is that our doctors are on high alert and that is why they were able to detect the symptoms. We are yet to confirm if indeed it is Ebola," said Anisa.
The driver only identified as Moses, was examined by doctors at the hospital who said he had symptoms resembling those of Ebola, but tests would be conducted to confirm the same.
Omar said that the patient's blood samples have been taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi and the results will be relayed as soon as they are back.
She at the same time allayed fears of the virus spreading to other parts of the region urging that the situation was under control.
The incident comes a week after Public Health and Sanitation Minister Beth Mugo assured the country that the government was doing all it can to shield Kenyans from the deadly virus.
The development comes as a team of experts from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are supporting the Ugandan government's response to an Ebola outbreak in the western part of the country.
The initial case was identified on July 28 in a family from the village of Nyanswiga, where 9 of the deaths were recorded. The total number has since risen to more than 15.
The deceased include a clinical officer who attended to a patient, and her 4 month-old child. Nine of the 14 deaths have occurred in a single household, according to WHO.
Both cases were admitted to hospital with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Uganda has previously experienced outbreaks of Ebola fever, but the most recent outbreak was declared over in early 2008.
Last week, fears of an Ebola outbreak gripped the residents of Siaya and Eldoret Counties in Western and northwest Kenya respectively had caused panic in the country after words went round that suspect cases had been detected.
Experts say there is an urgent need to increase public awareness on this deadly disease as well as to put in place as strong surveillance mechanism to allow for proper follow-up of all the cases.
The East African nation has been full alert following the outbreak of the deadly disease in neighboring Uganda last week. The government has since established a taskforce to respond to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Uganda.
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, other bodily fluids or organs of infected persons or animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys and antelopes, and it has an incubation period of two to 21 days.
Sufferers can experience fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat, as well as vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and impaired kidney and liver function. In the most severe cases, the virus leads to both external and internal bleeding. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-08/11/c_131777040.htm
Kenya-Alert after truck driver exhibits Ebola symptoms
Alert after truck driver exhibits Ebola symptoms
A truck driver who recently returned from Uganda has been indisposed and medical practitioners are investigating if he has contracted ebola hemorrhagic fever.
Friday evening the Coast Provincial Public Health Officer Anisa Omar confirmed an unnamed patient who was bleeding from several orifices had been taken to a private hospital in Mombasa.
She told the Press patient returned from Uganda on August 3 and sought treatment after developing the symptoms.
Samples taken from him are being tested at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi.
The patient has been admitted and segregated at the private Aga Khan Hospital in Mombasa together with four other people, all Kenyan, including a nurse who came in close contact with him at the institution when he came to seek treatment.
Medical authorities have been on the alert following the eruption of the fever in Uganda because thousands of Ugandans and Kenya live and gravel between the two East African nations.
There is no consensus about the patient’s nationality because some accounts in the Public Health ministry said the man is a Ugandan visiting Kenya.
The director of medical services, Dr Shahnaz Sharrif confirmed the hospital had taken samples to Nairobi for verification.
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000063806&story_title=Alert-after-truck-driver-exhibits-Ebola-symptoms
A truck driver who recently returned from Uganda has been indisposed and medical practitioners are investigating if he has contracted ebola hemorrhagic fever.
Friday evening the Coast Provincial Public Health Officer Anisa Omar confirmed an unnamed patient who was bleeding from several orifices had been taken to a private hospital in Mombasa.
She told the Press patient returned from Uganda on August 3 and sought treatment after developing the symptoms.
Samples taken from him are being tested at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi.
The patient has been admitted and segregated at the private Aga Khan Hospital in Mombasa together with four other people, all Kenyan, including a nurse who came in close contact with him at the institution when he came to seek treatment.
Medical authorities have been on the alert following the eruption of the fever in Uganda because thousands of Ugandans and Kenya live and gravel between the two East African nations.
There is no consensus about the patient’s nationality because some accounts in the Public Health ministry said the man is a Ugandan visiting Kenya.
The director of medical services, Dr Shahnaz Sharrif confirmed the hospital had taken samples to Nairobi for verification.
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000063806&story_title=Alert-after-truck-driver-exhibits-Ebola-symptoms
200 H3N2v Cases In Gallia County Ohio
Recombinomics Commentary 14:00
August 10, 2012
There have been 200 suspected cases reported; 69 of those tested positive for Influenza A using the rapid flu test. Representative samples of the suspected cases have been sent for further testing.
There are currently 4 confirmed cases of H3N2v in Gallia County. All individuals had direct contact with swine at fairs.
The above comments from the Gallia County Health Department in Ohio provide insight on the relationship between the number of H3N2v cases and the number of confirmed cases. Earlier reports cited 62 cases confirmed by the influenza A rapid test, which suggested more than 150 cases were tested.
The above update increases the number of influenza A confirmed cases to 69, but as noted in the August 9 CDC telebriefing, seasonal influenza levels in the United States are low, so most state lab confirmed cases with be H3N2v, especially when linked to an outbreak at an agricultural fair.
Thus, it is likely that the 200 symptomatic cases were H3N2v infected, although CDC confirmation is lagging and only four confirmed cases from Gallia County have been reported and included in the CDC update. However, the CDC has ceded H3N2v confirmation to the state labs, so the number of “confirmed” cases is expected to increase significantly in today’s MMWR as well as future updates by state labs as well as the upcoming Friday updates by the CDC.
However, as seen in the above outbreak associated with the Gallia Junior County fair, many infected cases will not be tested, and the number of “confirmed” cases will significantly undercount large outbreaks.
However, the CDC has targeted testing of ILI cases associated with agricultural fairs, which limits detection of human to human transmission in clusters with too many to test. These largely outbreaks clearly demonstrate the ability of the current H3N2v to infect large numbers of humans.
The recently released sequences from confirmed cases in Hawaii, Indiana, and Ohio represent a novel sub-clade which was first reported at the West Virginia day care center in Mineral County in late 2011. This sub-clade (A/West Virginia/06/2011 and A/West Virginia/07/2011) had an NA gene that was distinct from the NA in the first human H3N2v cases in 2011, which has not been acknowledged by the CDC. The matching of this sub-clade with all 2012 human H3N2v sequences (from Utah, Hawaii, Indiana, and Ohio) signals human adaptation, as well as human to human spread as seen at the day care center were there was no swine exposure, but 23 of the 70 contacts of the index case had ILI, and H3N2v was confirmed in one of the classmates.
The recently flu outbreak at a summer camp in Glen Spey, New York, suggests this H3N2v sub-clade continues to spread in cases with no swine exposure.
However, such recent cases and clusters have not been reported by the CDC.
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/08101203/H3N2v_Gallia_200.html
Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia – update
Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia –
update
hat tip Michael Coston
10 August 2012 - The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.
The case is a 37 year old male from Yogyakarta province. He developed fever on 24 July 2012, was hospitalized on 27 July and died on 30 July.
Epidemiological investigation on the case found that the case had four pet caged birds in his home, which is about 50 metres from a poultry slaughter house and near a farm.
Infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus was confirmed by the National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD), Ministry of Health and reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point.
To date, the total number of human influenza A(H5N1) cases in Indonesia is 191 with 159 fatalities, 8 (all fatal) of which occurred in 2012.
hat tip Michael Coston
10 August 2012 - The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.
The case is a 37 year old male from Yogyakarta province. He developed fever on 24 July 2012, was hospitalized on 27 July and died on 30 July.
Epidemiological investigation on the case found that the case had four pet caged birds in his home, which is about 50 metres from a poultry slaughter house and near a farm.
Infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus was confirmed by the National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD), Ministry of Health and reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point.
To date, the total number of human influenza A(H5N1) cases in Indonesia is 191 with 159 fatalities, 8 (all fatal) of which occurred in 2012.
Nebbi deaths due to dysentery, not Ebola – health authorities
Publish Date: Aug 10, 2012
Clinical examinations ruled out Ebola as the cause of the Nebbi couples death
By Benedict Okethwengu in Nebbi
The Nebbi district health officer Dr. Oryema Jakor has clarified that the couple whose death last Sunday sparked off an Ebola scare in the district could have died of dysentery and not the deadly hemorrhagic fever now reported in Kibaale district.
Luciano Opio, 81 and his wife Celestina Ongoja, 75 both residents of Obat village succumbed to death at Angal Hospital due to occasional sores in the mouth, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea which ignited fears that they could have died of Ebola.
Dr. Jakor told New Vsion that they have clinically examined the two deaths and noted that there are strong indicators that dysentery was the cause of the ageing couple’s death.
"There is no need for the team of experts from Kampala to come into the district. This couple could have died of dysentery,” he said.
He noted that they were keeping a close watch on the members of the family and the health workers who handled the deceased.
The police from Parombo police post on Monday rushed to the funeral place of the couple to prevent the people from getting into contact with the dead bodies.
They did so after the district health authorities had informed and requested for Ebola experts from the ministry which caused panic among Nebbi health workers and residents in the district.
Ebola is a highly contagious viral infection, which comes with high fever and bleeding tendencies.
The symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, red eyes, bleeding from openings and measles-like rash.
It spreads fast when one gets in contact with body fluids of an infected person.
Meanwhile, Jakor appealed to the people in the district to be on alert and report any person showing signs and symptoms of Ebola to the nearest health center.
"We need to be on the lookout because most of businessmen dealing in local Waragi go to Kibaale. Therefore, Ebola is not far from us," he cautioned.
Apparently all the suspected Ebola cases in the country handled by the health workers have all turned out to be negative after its outbreak was reported in Kibaale and that it had claimed18 lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)