Crimean fever confirmed at Mulago

By John Odyek

THE ministry of health has confirmed that the Congo Crimean haemorrhagic fever has claimed the life of one female aged 27.

The deceased was admitted at Mulago Hospital. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the director general of health services, said the patient was admitted on August 16 with severe anaemia, vomiting, headaches and inter-menstrual bleeding.

In an official statement, Aceng said the ministry would intensify its response to the disease.

The statement said this is the first confirmed death since the outbreak of the disease was announced on August 16.

After confirmation of the disease in Kampala, Mulago Hospital has reopened its isolation facility to admit suspected cases in and around Kampala.

“Currently, there are no admissions at the isolation facility. A burial team has been instituted to co-ordinate the burials of suspected and confirmed cases,” Aceng said.

She said there is only one confirmed case admitted in Agago at Kalongo Hospital.

The Ministry of Health has delivered drugs and other health supplies to the hospital.

The ministry has also intensified its surveillance activities in Kampala and Agago districts to trace cases of the disease.

The 36 people who got into contact with the confirmed cases have been listed and are being monitored for signs and symptoms of the disease.

Samples have been collected from humans and sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute to aid the investigations into the disease.

Working with the ministry of agriculture, 50 samples have been collected from sheep, goats, cows and dogs in Agago district to trace the source of the disease.