The Ebola virus epidemic in Uganda continues to spread, with new cases identified outside of Mubende district, the epicenter. Reports from the Ministry of Health of Uganda indicate that the number of suspected and confirmed cases has risen to 34 and 21 deaths. It is now believed that Ebola likely started at the beginning of September 2022.
Cases outside Mubende district include 3 from Kyegewa and 1 from Kassanda districts. The Ministry together with other health organizations is capturing information from all corners of Uganda to see on how to handle the issue before the number of cases drastically increases, it is reported.
A plan to lockdown Mubende and it’s neighboring districts in order to contain the spread of Ebola is said to be underway, it is said.
The Ugandan government declared Ebola an epidemic last week and though the CDC has not issued a Travel Advisory focused on the Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda, the U.S. Department of State suggests those planning to travel to Uganda to read the US Embassy in Kampala’s webpage for relevant information
About the Ebola Virus
There are five identified Ebola virus species all named according to their place of origin. Four of the species are known to cause disease in humans and they are: the Zaire ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Taï Forest ebolavirus also formerly known as Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus and Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
The strain currently spreading Uganda has been identified as the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV or SEBOV), which scientist claim to be one of the most devastating strains. The SUDV first broke out in southern Sudan in June 1976.
According to statistics, 50-90 percent of Ebola patients die after experiencing symptoms of the disease, which include fever, muscle aches, vomiting and bleeding.
