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By Ben Musanje
Uganda has intensified nationwide Ebola preparedness measures following confirmation of two imported cases linked to the ongoing outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Health announced on Thursday.
In a press briefing at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Thursday, MOH Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, said one patient had died while the second patient remains under treatment and is steadily recovering. Officials confirmed that the surviving patient tested negative for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) on both May 18 and May 20 and is now being treated for existing underlying conditions.
The Ministry revealed that the two confirmed cases involved Congolese nationals who had travelled from the DRC after exposure to the virus. Authorities have since identified 127 contacts, all of whom are currently under institutional quarantine and close monitoring.
Dr Atwine warned that Uganda remains at high risk of further importation of cases because of strong social and economic ties with eastern DRC, including cross-border trade and travel. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, has a fatality rate of about 50 percent and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
High-risk districts identified by the government include Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kisoro, Hoima, Wakiso, Kampala, Arua, Koboko, Kanungu and several others located along the western border and refugee-hosting regions.
Following a meeting of the National Task Force chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo, the government announced a series of strict preventive measures aimed at limiting the spread of the disease. These include intensified public sensitization campaigns, enhanced border screening and testing, and stronger surveillance systems in high-risk areas.
The government also temporarily suspended all cultural celebrations and large gatherings in border districts near the DRC. Cross-border passenger transport services, ferries on the Semliki River, and bus transport between Uganda and the DRC have been halted for four weeks, although cargo and food transportation will continue.
In addition, all flights between Uganda and the DRC will be suspended within 48 hours, while weekly markets in border sub-counties have also been stopped for the next month.
Speaking at the same briefing, Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Alan Kasujja reassured the public that there are currently no new infections in Uganda and no Ugandan citizens have tested positive for Ebola. He added that health workers who had been isolated as a precaution had all tested negative.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, observe all health guidelines, and report suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility as regional efforts to contain the outbreak continue. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
