Uganda: Fourth deadly Ebola case reported August 30 /update 3

Event

Health officials reported that a fourth case of Ebola recorded on Wednesday, August 28, at the Mpondwe border post in the Kasese district, has died on Friday, August 30. The girl was traveling from the Democratic Republic of Congo, when she was tested positive at the Point of Entry, and subsequently isolated and transferred to an Ebola treatment unit. A rapid response team has reportedly been dispatched to Kasese district. Enhanced health screenings at airports and other ports of entry are likely to continue until further notice.

There remains a risk of cross-border transmission from the DRC give the region's high level of insecurity, porous borders, and transient population. Further spread of the disease in Uganda is possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Three cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were recorded in Kasese district earlier in June from a single family; all three people who contracted the disease have since passed away.

An EVD outbreak is ongoing in the neighboring DRC provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The outbreak, which began in August 2018, has resulted in more than 3004 cases and 2006 deaths.

EVD is extremely virulent. The disease is transmitted to humans via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. The disease can then be transmitted between humans and is highly contagious, particularly during the hemorrhagic phase. Ebola is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and headache. A sore throat is also a common early symptom. These symptoms are followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, kidney and liver failure, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

Advice

Travelers should avoid the above areas and monitor the situation. To prevent the spread of EVD:

• Avoid contact with infected individuals and any items that have been in their close proximity;
• Avoid consuming bush meat and only handle animals when wearing gloves and the appropriate protective wear;
• Animal products (meat and blood) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption;
• Adhere to a strict observance of hygienic precautions (e.g. wash hands regularly, etc.);
• Avoid crowded areas (e.g. stadiums, markets, train stations, etc.).

In case of doubt, individuals should seek immediate medical attention and comply with all directives issued by local health authorities.