Ugandan health authorities declared an Ebola outbreak on Tuesday after the death of a person with the rare Sudanese strain, according to a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO).
It is the first time in more than a decade that Uganda has reported an Ebola outbreak of the Sudan strain. We are working closely with national health authorities to investigate the source of this outbreak, while supporting efforts to rapidly implement effective control measures,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa (WHO/Africa). .
After six suspicious deaths in a month in Mubende district, the Uganda Virus Research Institute identified the Sudanese strain in a 24-year-old man who eventually died.
The man had a high fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and was vomiting blood, said Diana Atwine, permanent secretary at the Ugandan Ministry of Health. The man had initially been treated for malaria. Right now, eight suspected cases are being followed in a health institution.
Uganda has stellar experience in handling outbreaks and epidemics of this nature. the @MinofHealthUG has sent teams to the Mubende district to improve surveillance and community awareness. The public is urged to remain vigilant and calm as crews take any necessary action. https://t.co/HIN5mU1kvj
— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) September 20, 2022
The last Ebola virus outbreak with the Sudanese strain in Uganda dates back to 2012, and the most recent Ebola outbreak, in 2019, was caused by the Zaire strain. The ring vaccination scheme (close contacts of the infected person and contacts of contacts) is effective in controlling outbreaks, but has only been tested for the Zaire variant (much more common).
The Sudanese strain has so far (and excluding the current outbreak) caused seven outbreaks: four in Uganda and three in Sudan.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health warns of the main symptoms associated with an Ebola virus infection and advises people to contact the health authorities if they experience any of these symptoms: fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, muscle weakness, sore throat, blood in the stool or urine, and bleeding from external wounds.
If you or your loved one has any of these #Ebola signs and symptoms, inform the nearest health center or call @MinofHealthUG free line 0800-100-066 pic.twitter.com/5lmfdUtJ3y
— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) September 20, 2022
Source: Observadora
