Two health workers develop Marburg like symptoms

Two health workers who treated a confirmed case of Marburg in Kapchorwa Hospital have developed Marburg - like symptoms.

The virus was confirmed a few days ago in Uganda.

According to health minister Dr Ruth Aceng, their blood samples have been sent to Uganda Virus Research Institute for testing. 

"In the interim, these health workers have been isolated and are being monitored and counseled by our experts," says Aceng, in a press release.

By yesterday a total of 155 contacts had been line-listed in Kapchorwa and Kween districts; 109 in Kween district and 46 contacts in Kapchorwa district. 

In Kween district, 66 of the contacts have passed the mandatory 21 days of follow up from the time of contact with the first probable case and the remaining 43 are still under contact follow up by the teams on the ground.

In Kapchorwa district, 22 of contacts have also passed the mandatory 21 days of follow up from the time of contact with the first probable case and the remaining 24 are still under contact follow up by the teams on the ground.

"We have assembled a team of seven contact tracers, trained them and provided them with support to conduct adequate contact tracing. Our multi- stakeholder teams of experts will remain on ground in Kapchorwa and Kween district until the outbreak is fully contained," Aceng noted.

Earlier, the minister said there is no drug to cure the virus and advised the public to report suspected cases.

She advised the public to avoid contact with patients suffering from Marburg, since the virus can be contracted through body fluids.

Symptoms may include

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea (may be bloody)

Red eyes

Raised rash

Chest pain and cough

Sore throat

Stomach pain

Severe weight loss