Museveni warns against seeking Ebola treatment from Traditional Healers

KAMPALA, UGANDA: President Museveni has warned the public to desist from seeking treatment for Ebola disease from traditional healers and religious leaders saying this prevents a loophole that could widen the spread of the virus across the country.

Mr Museveni while addressing the country on Wednesday evening also stopped the religious leaders from accepting and admitting Ebola patients as the virus is very contagious and can easily spread in such gatherings.

“Stop seeking treatment for Ebola from traditional healers. Those who are in hiding should come out immediately and report to health workers for proper follow-up. Suspected cases should cooperate with health workers. If you’re infected, it doesn’t matter where you run to,” the President said yesterday during a national address.

Citing a 45-year-old Twagirayesu Ndahiro, who succumbed to the disease at Kiruddu hospital in Kampala, the president said the victim got into contact with an Ebola patient and was supposed to be under quarantine, but he violated all health protocols leading to the spread of the virus.

Ndahiro died at Kiruddu Hospital in Kampala City where he was admitted after escaping from Mubende District to Luweero District to seek treatment from a traditional healer.

The Ebola was confirmed by the government in September in Mubende District. At least 54 people have contracted the Ebola virus and of these 19 have succumbed to the disease.
Mr Museveni said 10 of the 19 deceased people are members of Ndahiro’s extended family.

He said Ndahiro’s family at one time seized the body of their relative, who died of Ebola, from officials.

The body was subjected to traditional rituals before it was buried, which led to the spread of the virus.
Ndahiro later took his brother, who had contracted the Ebola virus, to hospital. He died during a surgical operation.

Several health workers, who treated him, also contracted the virus. Two medical officers have since succumbed to the virus.

The President said health workers told Ndahiro and his family to self-quarantine, but he decided to travel to Luweero District to seek treatment from a traditional healer.

The president also warned that in case signs and symptoms like sudden onset of fever, headache, general body weakness, chest pain, diarrhea , vomiting, unexplained bleeding from ears, mouth, anus, nose and eyes happen, individuals of families should call health workers to take the person to a nearby health facility using the ambulance but not public transport means.

“Communities should understand that Ebola disease is deadly and spreads through contact with someone who has symptoms. When you see symptoms, do not jump on a boda boda or a taxi because you will spread the infection to the ones transporting you. “

“The health workers must use appropriate protective wear (gloves, aprons, masks) whenever they are examining patients. Boda boda riders should be vigilant and not carry sick people with signs and symptoms of Ebola. Advise them to call for an ambulance.”

He directed security personnel supporting Ministry of Health response team in various districts to be vigilant and ensure no Ebola patients in treatment centers or contacts in the quarantine facility escape.

The President said all the contacts of the deceased in Kampala City and Luweero District have been identified as put under quarantine.

He asked traditional healers and religious leaders not to receive patients to avoid coming into contact with the virus.

“When the government announces an epidemic, the traditional healers should stop admitting customers. Have you ever seen me come here to announce a malaria outbreak or constipation! Leave the government to handle epidemics,” the President said.

Since its outbreak in Uganda last month, a total of 54 Ebola cases have been confirmed with 19 people so far dead and 20 people including five health workers have been discharged from hospital after recovering from the virus.