Italian back to Gulu for tests

Dr. Gaitano Azzimonti, a Hoima-based Italian doctor who treated the late Dr. Matthew Lukwiya for Ebola, has returned to Gulu for further medical observation, report Charles Wendo and Amlan Tumusiime. The press and cultural officer at the Italian Embassy in Kampala, Pietro Averono, yesterday said Gaitano had tested negative for Ebola and was healthy but would be observed in Gulu for a while. Hoima district officials stopped Gaitano from reporting for duty at Hoima Hospital on his return from Lacor Hospital where he treated Lukwiya. He was supposed to be monitored at his home in Kijungu, a Hoima suburb, for 21 days by Dr. Matthew Emer, the District Director of Health Services. His departure from Hoima raised speculation that he had moved to Kampala. Hoima Hospital chief, Dr. Fred Kiyimba, said Gaitano did not officially notify them of his departure. However, Averono said, "Dr. Gaitano is not in Kampala. He has gone back to Gulu to do the test." The New Vision has also established that Gaitano's other name is Azzimonti and not Andrea as earlier reported. Andrea Constanzi is another doctor, who is the head of the Italian team in Hoima. Hospital sources said Mr. Dick, a driver who traveled to Lacor with Dr. Gaitano, had also been told to stay at his home in Isaka Kijungu for 21 days. Meanwhile, residents have accused their district leaders of failing to mobilise them to prevent Ebola. Ends.