Government of Uganda has come out to deny media reports of Ebola outbreak in the country. According to the ministry of health: “No single case of Ebola Virus Disease has been confirmed in Uganda.”
The media was awash with reports of suspected Ebola outbreak in the country after an Ebola suspect was reportedly isolated at Lacor Hospital in Gulu District, Northern Uganda.
On 30th May 2017, 19-year-old girl from Mocope village, Paridi parish, Adjumani town council – in Adjumani District, suspected to have contracted the deadly virus was referred to Lacor Hospital Gulu District with severe anaemia.
According to Prof. Anthony Mbonye, the Acting Director General Health Services, the suspect was held at Hospital facility and samples taken from her results from the Uganda Virus Research Insititute tested negative for all Ebola viruses and
He added: the teenage woman was found to be suffering from thrombocytopenia, a blood clotting complication. Thrombocytopenia is a condition where a person doesn’t have enough platelet cells in the blood that stick together to help it clot.
Meanwhile government continues to strengthen its efforts to prevent any possible spread of epidemic to Uganda, through the following measures:
Screening of travellers at Entebbe International Airport. All travelers from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are being screened at the Health desk for Ebola signs and symptoms.
The screening targets all passengers who have had a history of travel of not less than 21 days to the DRC.
The passengers are required to complete a screening form and an information leaflet about Ebola and contact numbers of surveillance are given to all non-symptomatic passengers.
A private Medical Centre at the airport has been equipped to provide counselling and clinical screening of all suspects.
A standby ambulance with driver and relevant protective gear has been provided by the Civil Aviation Authority is available at anyone time.
The Ministry of Health has also instructed leaders in the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Kisoro, Kanungu, Kasese, Bundibugyo,Hoima, Bulisa, Nebbi, Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Kibaaleand Kabaale to reactivate the District Task Forces in preparations for any possible outbreak.
These taskforces are assigned to conduct a rapid risk assessment on importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases through their districts, review and update district EVD preparedness and response plans, and establish ground crossing requirements (temperature screening/verbal screening/hand washing/IEC materials) to limit the risk of EVD importation while avoiding unnecessary interference in trade and travel.
Isolation facilities in Bundibugyo district and Entebbe airport have been set up to attend to any suspected case. Health workers have been oriented on handling Ebola patients including Infection control and supportive care.
Also read: Uganda on high alert as Ebola breaks out in DRC
