The health authorities in Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola after a case of the relatively rare Sudan strain was confirmed in Mubende district in the central part of the country.
The Uganda Virus Research Institute confirmed the case after testing a sample taken from a 24-year-old male. This follows an investigation by the National Rapid Response team of six suspicious deaths in the district this month. There are currently eight suspected cases who are receiving care in a health facility.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, said that the UN agency was working closely with Ugandan authorities to investigate the source, and support efforts to control it.
“Uganda is no stranger to effective Ebola control”, she said. “Thanks to its expertise, action has been taken to quickly to detect the virus and we can bank on this knowledge to halt the spread of infections.”
#Ebola case in #Uganda confirmed. @WHO is in close touch with the @MinofHealthUG and is providing support to mount a rapid response and engage communities. https://t.co/jD7kF2RWi3
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 20, 2022
Trainee medics battling Ebola in Uganda’s virus epicentre accuse the government of putting their lives at risk.
All trainees at Mubende’s regional hospital say they are on strike and are demanding to be moved somewhere safer.
But Ugandan health ministry spokesman Emmanuel Ainebyoona told media that there was “no strike at the hospital”.
Yet all 34 of the hospital’s interns – including doctors, pharmacists and nurses – have announced their decision to strike in a joint statement.
They say they are being put at undue risk because they lack appropriate safety kit, risk allowances and health insurance.
Six interns at the hospital have already been exposed to the virus, and are awaiting their test results in isolation.
Since the outbreak began earlier this month, official government data shows 36 people are suspected of contracting Ebola, of whom 23 have died.
A 24-year-old-man was the first known Ebola death, and six members of his family also died.
As of 25 September, the Minister of Health reports 36 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case-patients in Mubende and Kyegegwa districts (18 confirmed, 18 suspected) and 23 cumulative deaths (4 confirmed, 19 probable). 399 contact cases have been identified and 104 under follow-up.
No effective Ebola vaccine is available here yet, because the Sudan strain circulating in central Uganda is different to the Zaire strain that has afflicted West Africa and DR Congo and which can be immunised against.
Experts say it is unrealistic to think Ebola will ever be eradicated, but it is now easier to prevent a crisis.