The Ministry of Health in Uganda has confirmed its first case of coronavirus (Covid-19) death as the case for infections rose to to 1,079.
The deceased was a 34-year-old Ugandan support staff working in Namisindwa District, according to Dr Henry Mwebesa, the director general health services. She presented with Covid-19 like signs and symptoms,” the Ministry of Health tweeted on Thursday afternoon.
The deceased who had fever, dry cough, headache and difficulty in breathing was admitted to Wasungui HC II on Wednesday last week where she was treated for severe pneumonia.
She was early this week on Monday transferred to Joy Hospice health facility, in Mbale district where she was isolated but here, the condition deteriorated and passed on Tuesday at around 2:am.
The Ministry of Health on Wednesday said they had collected samples and taken them to the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe for testing and it is where it was confirmed that she had died of Coronavirus.
“In addition, findings at postmortem showed features of acute pneumonia; findings that are consistent with COVID-19 infection,” said the Dr.Henry Mwebesa, the Director General Health Services.
Dr. Mwebesa said that contrary to earlier reports, the deceased was a Ugandan, adding that 30 contacts have so far been quarantined.
The listed contacts so far include family members, and healthcare workers. The process of contact identification and listing is reportedly still ongoing, and we believe the number of contacts may increase as the extensive epidemiological investigation evolves.
“The contacts will be monitored daily for fourteen (14) days as per our protocol by district surveillance teams supported by Ministry of Health experts who will be deployed in the district,” Dr Mwebesa added.
The development comes at a time when government has gradually eased the lockdown which was imposed in March.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: dailyexpressug@gmail.com Or follow the Daily Express on X Platform or WhatsApp for the latest updates.
