Since the start of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, 21 people have died of the virus with 4 being confirmed as Ebola deaths while the remaining 17 are not confirmed yet.
On Tuesday 20 September 2022 the ministry of health declared a new Ebola outbreak after doctors detected a case of the rare Sudan strain of the virus in Mubende district. This first case, a 24-year-old man is now deceased.
On Sunday the Ministry of Health revealed that the cases are now 34 with 16 confirmed and 18 probable. The report from the ministry also pointed to one of the biggest fears, the virus had already spread to neighboring districts with 3 cases reported in Kyegegwa and 1 in Kassanda. There is however no confirmed case yet in Kampala.
What is Ebola?
Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first detected in Africa in 1976 around the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Congo’s Zaire and later also detected in the current day South Sudan just 500 miles away from the first outbreak.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) comes with different signs and symptoms such as; hemorrhagic fever, headache, muscle pain, and chills, and later a person may start internal bleeding through vomiting or coughing blood.
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According to scientists, Ebola is spread through blood, exchange of saliva through kissing or sharing drinks, and touching contaminated surfaces. And the virus can be prevented by doing personal preventive measures like washing hands often with soap and water
- Avoiding crowds and close contact with sick people or suspected patients.
- Sanitizing using alcohol base hand rubs incase soap and water isn’t available.
- Incase your sick limit contact by isolating your self from others to avoid infecting others.
Investigations show that since Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was discovered, there have been a few number of recoveries registered. The experts however say that recovery depends on good supportive care and the patient’s immune response.
Patients who recover from Ebola develop antibodies that can last for 10 years.
However it should be noted that Ebola Virus Disease survivors suffer from complications like; tiredness, headaches, muscle and joint pain, eye and vision problems like blurry vision, pain, redness, and light sensitivity, weight gain, stomach pain or loss of appetite, memory loss, neck swelling, dry mouth, tightness of the chest, hair loss, hearing problems among others.
The Ministry of health has told Ugandans to stay alert and always report any suspected cases to health officials.
In the last 21 years, Uganda has experienced four Ebola outbreaks with the deadliest leaving over 200 people dead in 2000.
