Uganda: Stressing preventive measures as number of Ebola cases rises

KAMPALA [ACTED News] – As the number of Ebola cases rises to 30 in Kibaale district, Uganda, the Ministry of Health and international health organizations advise the public to remain calm, assuring that they are working hard to contain the situation. Although several cases were transferred to Kampala hospital, there is no evidence of any transmission within the city. Thirty people are in an isolation ward at the hospital in Kibaale district and over 200 people who came into contact with the dead or the sick are being closely monitored. Unlike other countries in the region which have seen similar outbreaks, Uganda has a team of experts from the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) on hand to respond quickly to such outbreaks. Local and international organizations are mobilizing more personnel and distributing protective equipment. Yet health workers and patients complain of poor facilities and protested the lack of food and clean water. ACTED teams apply and disseminate necessary preventive measures in its areas of intervention and continue to monitor the situation closely.