Uganda registers seventh COVID-19 death

A 49-year-old resident of Wakiso who was previously reported as a COVID-19 alert has succumbed to the deadly virus.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Uganda to seven.

According to the ministry of health's daily update on COVID-19, the death was registered on August 8.

 "She was an HIV positive patient and on highly active Anti-Retroviral Therapy, with a history of asthma and Tuberculosis.  These are risk factors for COVID-19," said Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the director-general, health services at the health the ministry

The woman, a Ugandan national, presented with signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19at a private health facility in Wakiso. These included; high fever, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and abdominal pain.  

Upon admission, the attending clinicians suspected COVID-19 and informed the ministry. Samples were taken off and sent to laboratories for analysis and results from the analysis confirmed SARS-COV-2.  

Unfortunately, she passed away this morning.  

The health ministry has so far listed 35 contacts of the woman.

Status Update

A total of 16 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed from samples tested on August 08. These include 10 alerts, two contacts to previously confirmed cases, and four truck drivers.

The alerts are from Kampala Metropolitan Area, Bugiri, Bukwo, Nakaseke, and Wakiso districts.

The contacts are all from Wakiso district whereas all four truck drivers arrived from Kenya via Malaba and Busia Points of Entry.  

Uganda now has a total of 1,283 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 1,115 recoveries.

The ministry of health appeals to the general public to call the toll free line on 0800-100-066 or 0800-203-033 to report any suspected person with signs and symptoms similar to COVID-19.