Uganda has capacity to contain Ebola - Mbabazi
Aug 03, 2012
Uganda now has the capacity to manage future Ebola outbreaks, the prime minister, Amama Mbabazi has said.
By Vision Reporter
Uganda now has the capacity to manage future Ebola outbreaks, the prime minister, Amama Mbabazi has said.
“Uganda has suffered three previous outbreaks of ebola and we've built reasonable capacity to manage it. Help from external partners has arrived,” Mbabazi said.
Mbabazi however said vigilance must be maintained until the lifespan of the disease of 21 days has been completed.
He was responding to questions this morning on twitter about Ebola, the deadly haemorrhagic fever that was first reported in Kibaale District, over 200km west of Kampala last Saturday.
Uganda has suffered 3 previous outbreaks of ebola and we've builtreasonable capacity 2 manage it. Help from external partners has arrived
— Amama Mbabazi (@AmamaMbabazi) August 3, 2012
We have activated machinery for mass mobilization. There shld therefore be no panic as I am confident that we shall contain the situation.
— Amama Mbabazi (@AmamaMbabazi) August 3, 2012
"We have activated machinery for mass mobilization. There should therefore be no panic as I am confident that we shall contain the situation," Mbabazi said.
He revealed that of the 30 people admitted only two have been confirmed to have the deadly virus. Mbabazi said that the total number of contacts with infected people so far is 232 and that all are being monitored.
Meanwhile a team of experts from health ministry, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in Kibaale to support the response operations.
“All possible contacts that were exposed to the suspected and confirmed cases since 6 July 2012 are being identified for active follow up. The necessary supplies and logistics required for supportive management of patients are being mobilised,” WHO said in a statement
The incurable disease, caused by a virus, has killed at least 13 people in Nyanswiga Village in Nyamarunda sub-county since it broke out three weeks ago. The affected families initially thought it was either witchcraft or evil spirits.