Testing for Ebola virus early increases your chances of survival

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OPINION

By Winnie Agwang

Testing early for Ebola can mean the difference between life and death. In the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Uganda, its eighth since 2000, 12 cases have been confirmed. While two patients sadly succumbed to the virus due to delayed diagnosis, the ten who were identified early received expert care and have since recovered and returned to their normal lives. Early testing also facilitated the prevention of further spread of Ebola in the communities and health facilities.

Recovery of the ten patients further proves that early detection through testing of Ebola not only improves a patient’s condition but also boosts survival rates through prompt initiation of intensive supportive treatment. It also prevents further transmission to family members, other community members, and healthcare workers, reducing the spread of the virus.

Furthermore, early diagnosis allows health authorities to find and monitor individuals who may have been exposed, ensuring they receive preventive care if necessary but also ensure they are closely monitored so that in case they develop any signs, their blood sample is taken off by trained people and promptly tested in our well-equipped reference laboratories at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, the Central Emergency Response and Surveillance Laboratory, the mobile laboratory in Mbale or Bwera, Kasese District.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) remains one of the deadliest viral infections, with outbreaks occurring periodically in Uganda. It has a case fatality rate of 25%-90%, meaning that for every 10 people who get Ebola, 3-9 may die. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.

Ebola presents with fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, Sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, difficulty in breathing, unexplained bleeding or bruising, weakness, and fatigue, often between 2 to 21 days after exposure. Its early diagnosis is dependent on timely sample collection and testing, that is, as early as a few days after symptom onset.

The most recommended method for testing Ebola is reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which can detect the virus's genetic material in blood samples. The RT-PCR is most effective when used on samples taken at least 72 hours after symptom onset. Therefore, if a suspected case tests negative and the blood was drawn less than 72 hours after symptom onset, a second test should be performed with blood drawn more than 72 hours after symptom onset.

To keep safe, if you or someone you know shows signs and symptoms of Ebola, seek medical attention immediately at the nearest health facility, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of the sick person, follow public health guidelines, including hygiene measures such as frequent handwashing and report any suspected cases to health officials for proper response and containment. You can call the toll-free line at the Ministry of Health on 0800-100-066 or you can send a free SMS to 6767 starting with the word “Alert”.

Let’s all keep safe and follow Ministry of Health guidelines.