WHO Sends Emergency Team to Combat Ebola Outbreak in Uganda
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Synopsis
The World Health Organisation has deployed a medical team to assist Uganda in addressing a new Ebola outbreak that has resulted in the death of a health worker in Kampala, the capital city. The WHO's initiative aims to strengthen health systems and ensure effective response measures.
Key Takeaways
- WHO has deployed an emergency medical team to Uganda.
- The outbreak was confirmed after a nurse died from the Sudan Ebola virus.
- A total of 45 contacts have been isolated.
- The vaccination of all contacts will begin immediately.
- The fatality rate for Ebola ranges from 50% to 89%.
Kampala, Jan 31 (NationPress) The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the deployment of an emergency medical team to assist Uganda in combating a severe Ebola outbreak that has claimed the life of a healthcare worker in Kampala, the capital city. The team will provide technical and logistical support to Uganda's Ministry of Health, as stated by WHO officials.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the Ebola outbreak after a 32-year-old male nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital died from the Sudan Ebola virus on Wednesday, marking the eighth occurrence of this deadly disease in the region.
The WHO is collaborating closely with Ugandan health authorities to restore a strong surveillance and case management system, enhance community engagement, and improve risk communication in response to the outbreak.
The confirmed case, identified as the index case, initially exhibited fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at various health facilities, including Mulago and from a traditional healer, as per health officials.
A total of 45 contacts have been identified and placed in isolation. This group includes 30 health workers and patients from Mulago Hospital, 11 family members of the deceased, and four health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, according to Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.
Atwine stated that the vaccination of all contacts of the deceased against the Ebola virus disease will begin immediately. The available doses of the Ebola vaccine are being prioritized for contacts and health workers.
The Ebola virus is known for its high contagion rates and can cause symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, general discomfort, and, in severe cases, both internal and external bleeding.
According to the WHO, the fatality rate for individuals infected with Ebola ranges from 50 percent to 89 percent, depending on the viral subtype.
