Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Mubende District (centre of the country) following the death of one patient.
The confirmed case, a 24-year-old man, passed away on Monday. He lived in Mubende district, located 150 kilometres west of the capital, Kampala.
“When he reported to the hospital, he had symptoms suspected to be Ebola.” Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ugandan Ministry of Health, told journalists.
“He was isolated, and the sample was taken on the 18th of September. The results came back yesterday evening to confirm the Ebola, the Sudan strain, ” she added.
However, Dr. Atwine assured the countries’ readiness and ability to contain the outbreak.
“We have the capacity, we have the skills, we have what it takes to contain this Ebola… so we want to ask you to stay calm and let you know that we are going to handle this epidemic precisely.”
It is still unclear how the victim contracted the disease, but sources indicate that when he sought medical attention in his hometown, he was originally treated for other illnesses, including malaria.
The WHO stated that it has been more than ten years since Uganda last reported a Sudan strain infection.
The revelation comes after a National Rapid Response team investigation into a series of mysterious fatalities that have happened in the district this month.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) office notes that eight (8) suspected cases are currently receiving care in a health facility.
