Act fast, Mbarara

HEALTH authorities have reported that a patient who died in Mbarara Hospital last week has tested positive for the killer Ebola virus. While more investigations are still being carried out to confirm the diagnosis, national health services continue to receive reports of suspected cases from other parts of the country. The Mbarara case brings yet another dimension to the Ebola problem. Hitherto, cases have been restricted to Gulu and Kitgum districts where they have been relatively well contained in a multilateral campaign. It is obvious now that the campaign has to be taken more rigorously to other parts of the country, beginning with Mbarara. Information still remains the most effective way to fight the phenomenon. Luckily, a control strategy drawn up during the crisis in Gulu is already available and can now be transferred expeditiously to new areas. Mbarara and any other subsequent spots should be at a greater advantage than Gulu and Kitgum because no one should be caught unawares. Therefore, the virus should affect few. The first action should be to take information out to the communities, using infrastructure like schools, local councils, churches and the media. Through these, people can be taught how to avoid contacting the virus. Citizens should be encouraged to rush suspected cases to health centres and hospitals. They should know that through supportive treatment like drips, which counter dehydration, painkillers and the control of bleeding, the chances for recovery are high. The health centres in turn should know that isolation of patients is essential for effective control and treatment. The Mbarara diagnosis, if confirmed, should serve as a warning to other districts to stay on the alert. It should also challenge health researchers and workers, both Ugandan and international, in their efforts as they investigate the behaviour of the virus.