23 Oct 2022 | 09:35 AM UTC
Uganda: Authorities continue to enforce Ebola-related response measures in various locations, as of Oct. 23 /update 1
Authorities continue to enforce Ebola-related response measures in various locations of Uganda, as of Oct. 23.
Event
Officials continue to respond to the spread of Ebola, as of Oct. 23. As of Oct. 22, confirmed cases have been reported in the districts of Mubende, Kassanda, Bunyangabu, Kyegegwa, and Kagadi, and in the capital, Kampala. Ugandan officials declared an outbreak of the disease in September and have implemented restrictions on travel to and from and within the Kassanda and Mubende districts through at least Nov. 4. Measures include:
Entry and exit into the districts are prohibited without prior police authorization.
Private and public transport is not allowed to operate.
A 19:00-06:00 curfew is in effect.
Schools and mines are open but with temperature checks and health screenings. Bars, restaurants, gyms, saunas, and places of entertainment are closed.
Temperature checks are also in place at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Similar measures are also likely at other international ports of entry, including land crossings. Local officials could expand the list of districts under restrictions or extend the current measures at short notice and in response to health assessments. Uganda officials have requested that cases or suspected cases be reported to the Ugandan Ministry of Health via freephone 0800100066.
Various governments have issued advisories in response to the outbreak. The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Mubende District. The French government advises that persons avoid travel to or through Kassanda and Mubende districts. US authorities currently recommend the "...deferral of nonessential US Government employee travel to and through the Mubende and Kassandra districts." Several countries, including the US and UK, have imposed additional health screening measures for persons arriving from Uganda. US-bound travelers who have been in Uganda in the past 21 days will be routed to one of New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), or Washington (IAD) for enhanced screening.
Advice
Observe strict health precautions, including frequent handwashing with soap and water or with hand sanitizer, particularly in areas with confirmed cases. Where possible, limit exposure to crowds, including markets and other areas where large numbers of people congregate. Stay away from any locations where bushmeat is collected, butchered, or sold. Avoid contact with animals and items that may have come in contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids. Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and prepare for enhanced screenings at ports of entry and exit in Uganda and if traveling from Uganda.
