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Uganda

Uganda: Ebola outbreak press statement, 14 Dec 2007

The Ministry of Health wishes to update the general public on the Ebola situation in the country. The cumulative total is 119 patients with 35 deaths.

In Bundibugyo District, 9 people are currently admitted in Kikyo Health Centre and 8 in Bundibugyo Hospital. On a positive note, five patients were discharged yesterday from Bundibugyo hospital. The cumulative total of patients discharged since the epidemic was confirmed is 24. There were 3 new admissions in Bundibugyo Hospital.

The fourth lot of 6 samples taken from Alert cases in from the districts of Mubende, Masaka, Adjumani and Kabarole were analyzed and found negative. The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings especially in the districts around Bundibugyo i.e. Kabarole, Kasese, Hoima, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Ibanda, Bushenyi and Mbarara.

The Ministry of Health further reminds all District Health Officers and the In charges of Health Units to continue to being on alert and immediately report any suspected cases. Similarly, the public is reminded to report to Health Facilities any persons who present with the following symptoms: Very high fever of sudden onset, diarrhoea, vomiting associated with red eyes and a measles-like rash. Ebola is spread by close contact with body fluids of infected persons or people who have died of Ebola. Anybody handling suspected cases must use appropriate protective wear. The public will be informed of any new developments and is urged to be vigilant but not to cause unnecessary panic.

The central alert team is continuing to respond to all alert cases brought to our attention. The numbers to contact remain the same as Police Mobile 111 or 999 Police control room, Ministry of Health, 0772 587567, 0414 345108. The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that we are slowly and surely getting to the containment of the epidemic. We should all continue to be vigilant and not to create unnecessary fear and panic.

Dr. Sam Zaramba
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH SERVICES