Publication date: Friday, 30th November, 2007
By Carol Natukunda
An emergency medical team yesterday morning flew to Bundibugyo district, where 16 people have died of Ebola to back up the local team.
The team is headed by the Commissioner for Health Services, Dr. Sam Okware.
Speaking from the ground, Okware said they would provide medical supplies, treatment, and ensure that the disease is contained.
The disease, which has afflicted 51 people so far, broke out in August but it was only confirmed as Ebola on Thursday.
The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Sam Zaramba, told Parliament that tests at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, USA, had confirmed Ebola.
Zaramba explained that the disease manifested itself differently from the one that hit northern Uganda in 2000, making it difficult for health workers to suspect Ebola.
The disease is characterised by bleeding, high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, red eyes and a rash.
Ebola is spread through contact with the body fluids of infected persons.
At least 35 people are still admitted in Bundibugyo Hospital.
14 villages affected include Kikyo, Kabango, Ntandi, Butolya, Bugharama and Kizufo. Others were Buyaya, Butantagua, Bulhambago, Bundimwali I, Bugharama II and Bulhambaghiri, Zaramba said.
The first time Ebola occured in Bunyoro and the North, 2000, over 140 people died.
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