Uganda Reports Second Ebola Death as Outbreak Continues

Uganda reports a second Ebola death, a four-year-old child at Mulago Hospital, following the initial outbreak declaration in January after a male nurse’s death. Though initial patients were discharged, over 265 individuals remain in quarantine. Ebola symptoms are serious and involve transmission through infected fluids.

Uganda has reported a second death due to Ebola, this time involving a four-year-old child who succumbed to the disease at Mulago National Referral Hospital. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced this tragic development via their Uganda office’s social media on Saturday, indicating the child’s passing occurred after the ministry documented an additional case at the hospital.

The country had officially declared an outbreak of Ebola in January following the death of a male nurse in Kampala, who was also treating Ebola patients. Uganda’s Mulago Hospital serves as the sole national facility designated for Ebola, underscoring its critical role in managing the outbreak.

Despite reports on February 18 indicating that all eight patients initially receiving treatment had been discharged, health officials noted that at least 265 contacts of these individuals were placed under strict quarantine in Kampala and two other cities. Ebola symptoms include fever, headaches, and muscle pain, with transmission occurring through contact with bodily fluids and tissues of infected individuals.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Uganda as it addresses the Ebola outbreak, reflecting the urgency of monitoring and quarantining contacts to prevent further spread. The passing of a child adds a poignant reminder of the disease’s severity. Continued vigilance and rapid response to such outbreaks are essential elements in protecting public health.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com