Evelyn Lirri
15 May 2011
The Ministry of Health yesterday confirmed a new outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease in the country, describing it as an epidemic. “Even one case is an epidemic because this is a very dangerous and fatal disease,” said Dr Joaquim Saweka of the World Health Organisation.
Test results from the Uganda Virus Research Institute indicate that a 12-year-old girl from Zirowe Sub-county in Luweero District died from a strain of Ebola on May 6 at Bombo Military Hospital.
“Laboratory investigations confirmed Ebola to be the cause of death and illness. So far about 30 people who had contact with the girl, including the health workers are being monitored,” said Dr Anthony Mbonye, the head of the Ebola task force.
“We are investigating the source of the disease, the contact people this girl had but we know it’s a type of Ebola common in Sudan,” Dr Mbonye added.
Ebola haemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease for which there is no cure.
It is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected persons.
Health officials issued a countrywide Ebola alert, urging the public to be vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
Uganda has previoulsy suffered two major Ebola outbreaks – in 2007 and 2000.
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Ebola Virus Breaks Out