The Ministry of Health has urged masses to maintain vigilance following an abrupt outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Mubende District.
The confirmed case, a 24 year old male and a resident of Ngabano village of Madudu Sub County in Mubende District presented with EVD symptoms and later succumbed.
According to health ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine, the clinical team took off samples for testing at UVRI. She said results confirmed that the patient was positive for the Ebola-Sudan strain.
She said a Rapid Response team from the Ministry has since been dispatched to Mubende District to support the teams in surveillance, contact tracing, and case management.
“Uganda has stellar experience in handling outbreaks and epidemics of this nature. We have dispatched teams to Mubende District to enhance surveillance and community awareness. The public is urged to remain vigilant and calm as teams undertake the necessary action,” Atwine said.
Ebola is a killer disease caused by the virus. It is spread through contact with bats and monkeys and also through contact with infected persons.
A person infected with Ebola is not contagious before the symptoms appear. The incubation period is two to 21 days.
Among other signs and symptoms, a person suffering from Ebola presents high fever, abdominal pain, joint or body pain, difficulty in swallowing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rash.