We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
New cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever continue to be reported in the currrent outbreak in Kibaale district, western Uganda. The Ministry of Health has reported to WHO, a total of 53 suspected cases including 16 deaths, of those, 5 have been laboratory confirmed.
At present, 32 cases have been admitted to the isolation unit in Kagadi hospital, Kibaale district and a total of 312 contacts of cases have been identified, of those, 253 are being monitored closely.
Testing for Ebola virus in other districts has proved negative for all samples, indicating that the outbreak has so far been contained and not spread to other areas. A Ministerial Task Force has been convened and the Ministry of Health is facilitating and coordinating the outbreak respone and is working closely with other agencies e.g. WHO, CDC, MSF, Ugandan Red Cross Society.
(Via Global Alert and Response - accessed 06/08/12)
Advice for Travellers
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk for travellers and EU citizens residing in the country:
"The risk of residents and travellers becoming infected or developing the disease is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood, bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. As a precautionary measure, EU citizens in Uganda should avoid such contact. Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache or general malaise) within three weeks after return."
(Via ECDC - accessed 06/08/12)
Advice for Healthcare Professionals
Any patient presenting with a fever (>38ºC) or history of fever in the previous 24 hours, within 21 days of visiting a region where VHFs occur; and who may been exposed to a patient or animal infected with VHF (including their blood, body fluids or tissues); should be assessed as to risk of VHF using the risk assessment algorithm in the Department of Health guidelines.
