A four-year-old child has died from Ebola in Uganda, marking the second confirmed fatality since the outbreak was declared in the East African country.
In a statement on Saturday, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the child passed away on February 25 at Mulago Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
“Our teams are working with @MinofHealthUG and partners to strengthen surveillance, active case searching, contact listing and tracing, infection prevention and control in health facilities, case management, and community engagement to halt the spread of the virus,” WHO said.
The Sudan strain of Ebola, currently affecting Uganda, has no approved vaccine, making containment efforts crucial. Health authorities are focusing on tracing contacts and bolstering preventive measures to curb further infections.
The outbreak was officially declared on January 30. The first confirmed fatality was a nurse who died on January 31 after experiencing fever-like symptoms and seeking treatment in Kampala.
High-Risk Areas Identified
Ten districts have been designated as high-risk zones, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Luwero, Mbale City, Mbale District, Iganga, Jinja City, Jinja District, and Kakumiro.
As Ugandan health officials and international partners intensify efforts to contain the outbreak, residents in affected areas are urged to adhere to safety guidelines and report any symptoms promptly.
Ebola in Uganda: What You Need to Know
- Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe illness that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.
- Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding.
- Prevention measures include proper hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and immediate medical attention for suspected cases.
Health authorities remain on high alert as they continue surveillance and response efforts to prevent further spread.
