The Associated Press reports that there could be a possible Ebola outbreak in Uganda after many hospitals have dealt with various cases in the past days. Authorities thought they have put an end to the outbreak, but six more victims were brought to Mulago Hospital in Kampala.
The Ebola virus is one of the most feared diseases in Uganda as the population is frequently affected by these outbreaks. The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, announced on Monday that the country could be affected by a possible Ebola outbreak after 14 people were killed by the disease. As a result, he requested local residents to avoid physical contact, such as, kissing or hand shaking as they can pass the Ebola virus from one person to another.
The announcement raised a lot of concern among residents and many people went to their nearby hospitals even though they did not present any symptoms. Health officials are making efforts to prevent the disease from spreading outside the rural areas. The medical workers who have taken care of the victims have been isolated at the Mulago Hospital, as well.
The President further added that inhabitants have to cooperate with the appointed health officials and avoid patients with Ebola symptoms as much as possible. Health facilities have been provided with special utilities so they can better respond to patients’ needs.
Spokespersons have released clashing declarations. On the one hand, Dr. Anthony Mbonye at Uganda’s Ministry of Health told the press that the outbreak has been contained because doctors did not report new patients since Friday. On the other hand, another health official from the affected area stated that six new cases have been discovered since Saturday, so it is too early to think that the Ebola outbreak has been stopped. In fact, there isn’t just one village that has been affected, but many more.
The similarities between malaria and Ebola make the whole situation even more difficult than it is. Officials have to carefully consider their declarations because they don’t want people to panic without reason.
The Ebola virus needs an incubation period of 14 to 25 days and the first symptoms are very similar to flu ones, such as, chest pains and fever accompanied by chills. Later on, the patient begins to experience nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Internal and external hemorrhages are a sign of negative prognosis.
