Monday, May 16, 2011

Uganda on High Alert over Ebola Outbreak

Neighboring countries bordering Uganda have been put on high alert after health officials warned of a possible spread of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

Speaking to Uganda’s press over the weekend, the World Health Organization’s Dr. Mbonye revealed that the latest type of Ebola currently in Kampala is similar to the one of Sudan.

Mbonye further said that the main reason why alerts have been issued on all border posts is because there is massive movement of people across borders on a daily basis, and the potential for infected persons to spread the virus is very high.

Meanwhile Ugandan officials have announced that the deadly outbreak has claimed one life and that they are closely monitoring close to 33 people who are believed were in close contact with the deceased.

Precautionary measures including avoiding direct contact with body fluids of infected persons, using protective gears to handle infected cases and avoiding feasting on dead monkeys, have been issued. Alerts have also been made for people operating at all border points to put in place safety measures and to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility. 

Ebola is a disease that is known to have no cure, and it is not new to Uganda. It has been hit twice with major outbreaks in the year 2000 and 2007.

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