UPDATE: Ebola deaths rise to 21 as infections reach 34

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The number of deaths attributable to the outbreak of Ebola in the country has risen to 21 while the confirmed and suspected infections now stand at 34, the Ministry of Health announced on Sunday evening.

According to a press statement issued by the ministry spokesperson, Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the country registered three new infections cases and two new deaths in the last 24 hours.

Mr. Ainebyoona said of the cumulative cases which stand at 34, 16 are laboratory confirmed while 18 are probable. Similarly, of the 21 deaths, four are confirmed while 17 are probable.

“Cases reported outside Mubende include three in Kyegegwa and one in Kassanda but all linked to the index case in Mubende,” he said, adding that there are “no confirmed cases in Kampala as yet”.

Districts, where confirmed and suspected cases have been reported, include Kassanda, Kampala, Kisoro, Kakumiro, Mubende, Kyegegwa, and Lyantonde.

Health authorities in those areas said samples from suspected cases are being analysed at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and appealed to the population to adhere to preventive measures and report any suspected cases to nearby health facilities or authorities.

According to the Health Ministry, Ebola is transmitted through contact with the blood, stool or fluids of an infected person and objects that have been contaminated with body fluids from an infected person.
One can also contract the disease through contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats and other wild animals.

The known symptoms of Ebola include high body temperatures, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and yellowing of the eyes. Bleeding is usually a late presentation after the above symptoms, according to the Health ministry.