Stacy
After two years, Uganda has reported its first Ebola death. A 32-year-old nurse from Kampala died from the virus, which has raised concerns of more possible deaths. The nurse first sought treatment from several places and was eventually diagnosed with the Sudan strain of Ebola, which is untreatable by vaccine and is known to be rather deadly. He worked in Mulago National Specialized Hospital. He was also in the first treatment camp for Ebola in Uganda, but his condition only worsened.
His death on Wednesday has put health officials on high alert, with at least 44 contacts including 30 health workers and patients now under close monitoring as a precautionary step. The government has also taken major steps in response to this “very serious matter”, such as the early vaccination of exposed healthcare officials.
A Race Against Time in Kampala
Containing the virus in Uganda’s bustling capital will be a challenge. One in every four million people in Uganda has access to a stable workforce and a high population eases a transfer of the virus to a new person. The authorities have stated his free movement along with seeking alternative treatment gives rise to these fears.
Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, reassured Ugandans that there is “no need for panic”, and restated the importance of vigilance and restating the need for immediate reporting in case of suspicious novel disease-like situations.
Veteran physician Dr. Emmanuel Batiibwe, who helped fight Uganda’s 2022 Ebola outbreak, warned that swift and decisive action is crucial. “We have the experience and the means to respond quickly. The key is acting before the virus gets ahead of us,” he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged $1 million in emergency funds to support Uganda’s response, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirming that a full-scale operation is underway.
Ebola: The Silent Killer
Ebola is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, causing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe internal and external bleeding. With an average fatality rate of 50%, past outbreaks have seen death rates as high as 90%. The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, making healthcare workers vulnerable.
Discovered in 1976, Ebola has re-emerged repeatedly in Africa, with Uganda experiencing several outbreaks, including one in 2000 that killed hundreds. The most devastating outbreak was in West Africa from 2014-2016, claiming over 11,000 lives.
Congo on High Alert
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo is investigating 12 suspected Ebola cases in Equateur province. Seven deaths have already been recorded, though initial tests have come back negative.
With neighboring Tanzania also battling an outbreak of the related Marburg virus, East Africa is again on edge. For Uganda, the fight against Ebola is all too familiar and the clock is ticking to prevent another deadly wave.
Keep reading questiqa.com & questiqa.in for more updates.
Kathy
Olivia
