Avian flu is under control - Govt

Sarah Opendi, the minister of Health. Photo/AFP

Government has urged the country to stay calm despite the outbreak of the deadly avian flu virus in some parts of the country.

Sarah Opendi, the minister of health for general duties, told New Vision that there is no need for alarm as the situation is now under control.

"We have not heard any issues of persons contracting the disease. There is therefore no threat for anybody to worry about," Opendi said.

She said that except Masaka and Lutembe beach (near Entebbe), where the disease has been detected, there has been no further spread to any other parts of the country.

Strains such as H5N1 are deadly to humans and to other mammals that catch the virus. People contract the avian flu virus by close contact with birds or bird droppings, according to online sources. 

The minister's remarks come barely hours after United Kingdom asked its citizens traveling to Uganda to take extra precautions.   

In a message on its website, citizens intending to travel to Uganda were urged to visit health professionals before their trip to check whether they need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

The UK also urged its travelling citizens (and those living in Uganda) to ensure they have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

However, Opendi said steps taken by government have forestalled any grave risks to human beings.

Following the outbreak - confirmed on Sunday by both the agriculture and health ministries, government activated an emergency plan for epidemic control for the deadly disease.