FIRST READ:
From Kibale( where Ebola started recently) to Kabale( where there is a Marburg virus outbreak): Marburg outbreak confirmed in Western Uganda: The test of biological weapons on African Guinea pigs is not over yet
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2012/10/from-kibaale-where-ebola-started.html
US experts to monitor deadly hemorrhagic fevers in Uganda???????????????????????/
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/652020-us-experts-to-monitor-deadly-hemorrhagic-fevers-in-uganda.htmlI smell a rat but Jesus will always protect the poor Africans from Man’s wicked schemes !! Strange malaria-like disease hits Uganda: US experts to monitor deadly hemorrhagic fevers in Uganda: Oh: really: Why has Uganda become a home for all kinds of Hepatitis Out breaks ??
Dear Global research.ca , The US invented the Ebola Virus from Bundibugyo, Uganda that is why they have a patent for their invention. The US’s invention of that virus is not a claim, it is the truth.
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2014/09/dear-global-researchca-us-invented.html
Wickedness in high places : When Ebola creators pretend to be messianic solvers on their own biological weapon : WHO meets on experimental Ebola drug use
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2014/08/wickedness-in-high-places-when-ebola.html
Marburg out break in Uganda : 132 now being monitored: Naïve Ugandans think the diseases has come about because Ugandans are dirty
From Marburg to Ebola, Destructing us from the exposed rot of Museveni’s US client state regime due to corruption : Ebola outbreak in Uganda is a mere political game speared headed by the US new world system to destruct us from the exposed Corruption in Museveni’s regime and the participation of Uganda in the support of M23 rebels
Ebola as a US neo-imperialistic weapon: Portray Africans as poor helpless zombies: Come in as a solution to the Ebola virus you have created : Use this pretext to steal their mineral resources : Obama: Ebola crisis 'spiraling out of control' : US military to help Ebola effort
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2014/09/ebola-as-us-neo-imperialistic-weapon.html
THE DRUG EPIDEMIC, VIRUSES, EBOLA, AND AIDS[IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK
http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000081.htm
The Ebola Outbreak: U.S. Sponsored Bioterror? Why Was Ebola-Infected Patrick Sawyer Cleared for Travel?
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-ebola-outbreak-us-sponsored.html
Hypocrisy of Babylon USA: US waives child soldier sanctions on six nations
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2014/10/hypocrisy-of-babylon-usa-us-waives.html
Marburg kills one health worker, 80 under close watch - ministry
Health officials bury a Marburg victim last year. FILE PHOTO
By Agatha Ayebazibwe
Posted Monday, October 6 2014 at 01:00
Posted Monday, October 6 2014 at 01:00
In Summary
The Ministry of Health has dispatched teams of
epidemiologists to Mengo, Mpigi hospitals and Kasese District where the
deceased was treated before his death
Kampala.
Kampala.
The Ministry of Health and the World Health
Organisation yesterday confirmed the outbreak of Marburg Viral fever in
the country after one person died of the disease on September 28.
Laboratory test results done at Uganda Virus Research Institute confirmed that the 30-year old-man, a health worker at Mengo Hospital, died of Marburg.
Laboratory test results done at Uganda Virus Research Institute confirmed that the 30-year old-man, a health worker at Mengo Hospital, died of Marburg.
The deceased man’s brother, who is also a health
worker at the hospital, has also been quarantined at the facility after
he presented with signs of the disease a few days after the first case
was buried.
Samples have been taken to UVRI for further tests and the results are expected by midday.
According to the Acting Minister for Health, Dr
Elioda Tumwesigye, the ministry has dispatched teams of epidemiologists
to Mengo, Mpigi hospitals and Kasese District where the deceased was
buried last month.
“We are tracing all the possible people that the
deceased may have had contact with for close monitoring for at least 21
days. In the meantime, we call upon the public to remain alert and
report any suspected cases,” Dr Elioda said.
According to a press statement issued by the ministry, the deceased, who originally worked at Mpigi Health Centre IV, had been recruited by Mengo Hospital two months ago as a radiographer.
According to a press statement issued by the ministry, the deceased, who originally worked at Mpigi Health Centre IV, had been recruited by Mengo Hospital two months ago as a radiographer.
“He started feeling unwell on September 17 while
at Mengo Hospital and travelled back to Mpigi HCIV on September 18 to
seek treatment since he felt more comfortable with a facility that he
had worked with for a long time,” reads the statement.
He was treated at Mpigi Health Centre IV but when
his condition worsened, he was transferred back to Mengo where he was
admitted on September 23.
He presented with headache, bleeding from different body openings, abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhoea.
He passed away on September 28 and his body was taken to Munkunyu village, Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese for burial.
He passed away on September 28 and his body was taken to Munkunyu village, Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese for burial.
The minister said 80 people who got into contact
with the initial confirmed case have been identified and isolated as a
precautionary measure and for follow up for any signs and symptoms
within the 21 days incubation period of the disease.
“They are currently being monitored by a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health,” Dr Tumwesigye said while addressing the media yesterday in Kampala.
“They are currently being monitored by a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health,” Dr Tumwesigye said while addressing the media yesterday in Kampala.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr Alemu
Wondimagegnehu, said the public should not be frightened, necessary
precautionary measures have been put in place to cantain the spread of
the disease.
“There is no reason to panic. A team of experts has been put together to assess the situation where the deceased was treated,” Dr Wondimagegnehu said.
“There is no reason to panic. A team of experts has been put together to assess the situation where the deceased was treated,” Dr Wondimagegnehu said.
about marburg fever
Cause.
Cause.
Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is a fatal
illness caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the same family
together with the Ebola virus.
Incubation.
The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days
while the case fatality rate varies from 24 to 88 per cent. The Marburg
virus is transmitted to people from the fruit bats and spreads among
humans through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with wounds
and body fluids like blood, saliva, vomitus, stool and urine of an
infected person.
The ministry is also awaiting results of a sample from the deceased’s brother, who has so far been listed as having developed signs of the deadly disease. He has since been quarantined and isolated for further monitoring.
According to the World Health Organisation country representative, Dr Alemu Wondimagegnehu, the five samples were drawn from people who were in contact with the deceased while at Mpingi Health Centre IV.
“The information we got from the team on the ground is that the five presented with signs of the disease. The samples have been delivered at UVRI and results are expected soon,” Dr Wondimagegnehu told Daily Monitor in an interview.
A temporary isolation centre has been set up at Mpigi Health Centre IV where the suspected cases are being quarantined.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Asuman Lukwago, also said another 17 contacts have been identified in Kampala, bringing the total of those who were in contact with the deceased to 97.
“Our teams are still on the ground tracing all the possible contacts. Those who have been identified will be isolated in their homes for at least 21 days. If they show any signs such as fever and headache, then we take their samples for further tests,” Dr Lukwago told Daily Monitor.
He added that results of the six samples are expected in a few hours.
However, some officials have expressed concern over the ministry’s preparedness to handle the crisis, should it become a fully-fledged Marburg outbreak.
“The confirmatory test results were received at the Ministry of Health on September 30, but to date, the ministry has not released any money to facilitate the teams to respond appropriately,” said a source within the ministry who preferred to remain anonymous.
But Dr Lukwago said they are still treating the matter as an emergency, saying those involved can use their money which will be refunded once the ministry gets the money.
“We are aiding them with things such as fuel, cars to enable them move from one place to another. We also expect to have a costed plan for the response in the next 36 hours,” he added.
This was revealed Thursday by the health ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Asuman Lukwago, during the occasion to hand over 19 vehicles to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of health activities in the country.
Lukwago said a team of experts from the US Defense Department had already touched base in the country and was setting up structures on effective monitoring and control of the deadly fevers.
He said they are going to put epidemiologists (health experts) in every region of the country to constantly be on the lookout for any outbreak.
“In case any disease breaks up, these epidemiologists will be able to detect it very fast,” said Lukwago.
He said they were also working with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so for any disease outbreak, samples can be taken at the Institute and diagnosis done quickly.
A statement from the CDC, also released yesterday, read that preventing, detecting and responding to outbreaks as early and effectively as possible was necessary to keep the world safe and secure from infectious disease threats.
The statement indicated that the CDC has been partnering with the health ministry to effectively monitor and control the deadly pathogens for the last six months. And that the partnership had resulted in improvements in disease detection and response.
Uganda has had its share of the deadly pathogens, the prominent cases being of Ebola and the Marburg virus which killed scores of people in Kabale district in 2012.
Publish Date: Oct 05, 2014
State
Minister for Health, Elioda Tumwesigye (left) and Director General of
health services, Jane Ruth Aceng addressing the press in Kampala.
PHOTO BY LAWRENCE KITATTA
By Vision Reporter
The Ministry of Health has today announced one fatal case of Marburg disease. The victim is a 30 year old health worker.
The victim had been a radiographer, or X-ray technician, at the Mpigi Health Centre IV, but was recruited two months ago for a similar position at Mengo Hospital. When he felt ill on September 17, he traveled back to Mpigi for treatment since “he felt more confortable with a facility that he had worked with for a long time.”
Marburg is one of the five members of the family of filoviruses, to which Ebola belongs. Like Ebola, a person infected with Marburg will experience a sudden onset of fever.
The most common additional signs are headache, joint and muscle pains, vomiting blood, and bleeding through body openings. The disease has a two to 21-day incubation period and, like Ebola, has no cure other than supportive treatment.
Today’s statement from Elioda Tumwesigye, Minister of State for General Duties & Holding the Portfolio of Minister for Health, describes a total of 80 people who were in contact with the man have been identified and isolated to follow for signs and symptoms.
President Yoweri Museveni immediately called for vigilance. "The Ministry of health is tracing all the people including relatives who may have been in close contact. Please report suspicious cases," Museveni said on twitter.
"Stay calm but vigilant. Avoid shaking hands and cooperate with health workers."
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda reassured the country of measures to control the disease.
"Marburg is a Viral Hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus. Ministry of Helath has put in place rigorous surveillance and disease control measures. Uganda has experience and adequate capacity to deal with this health threat & World Health Organisation has been informed," Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said.
"The public has also been alerted to report any suspected cases on the Ministry hotline on +256750996034, " he added.
"Uganda has previously successfully handled similar situations of health threats involving Hemorrhagic fevers."
FULL STATEMENT
Ministry of Health Press Statement on confirmed Marburg Fever death
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that there is a confirmed case of Marburg in the country.
This initial case follows laboratory tests done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on September 30th 2014 which confirmed that one person, a health worker, had died of the viral hemorrhagic fever.
The index case is a 30-year-old male Radiographer, who originally was working in Mpigi Health Centre IV, Mpigi Town Council but had been recruited by Mengo Hospital two month ago as a Radiographer. He started feeling unwell on September 17th while at Mengo Hospital and travelled back to Mpigi HCIV on September 18th to seek treatment since he felt more comfortable with a facility that he had worked with for a long time.
He was treated at Mpigi Health Center IV but when his condition worsened, he was transferred back to Mengo Hospital where he was admitted on September 23rd. He presented with Headache, Epistaxis, abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhea. His condition deteriorated on September 27th and a Viral Haemorraghic fever was suspected. Blood samples were removed for further analysis on September 28th; unfortunately he died on the same day. His body was taken to Munkunyu 1 Village, Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese district for burial.
Preliminary reports also show that his brother, one of the contacts so far listed has developed signs. He has been quarantined and isolated for further monitoring. Samples have been taken from him and are being tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The public will be informed of his status. Altogether 80 contacts have been listed from Mengo, Mpigi and Kasese for follow up.
Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is a fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the filoviridae family together with the Ebola virus. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days while the Case fatality rates vary from 24% to 88%. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural hosts of Marburg virus. The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from the fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with wounds and body fluids like blood, saliva, vomitus, stool and urine of an infected person.
A person suffering from Marburg presents with sudden onset of high fever with any of the following;
1. Headache
2. Vomiting blood
3. Joint and muscle pains
4. Bleeding through the body openings, i.e. eyes, nose, gums, ears, anus and the skin.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; patients are usually given supportive treatment.
The Ministry of Health is undertaking the following measures to control the spread of the disease;
• Yesterday, a team of epidemiologists and surveillance officers were sent to Mpigi Health Center IV, Mengo Hospital and to Kasese district to investigate the case and list all people who got into contact with the dead.
• So far, a total of 80 people who got into contact with the initial confirmed case have been identified and isolated as a precautionary measure and for follow up for any signs and symptoms within the 21 days incubation period. These include 38 health workers from Mengo Hospital, including his brother and 22 health workers from Mpigi Health Center IV and 20 people from Kasese district. They are currently being monitored by a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health.
• Arrangements have been put in place to transport all suspect cases to the National Isolation Facility in Entebbe should they occur. The facility is already stocked with the necessary infection control materials and other supplies to handle any incoming patients.
• Arrangements have also been made at Mengo Hospital to isolate any suspect with symptoms. Health workers have been asked to effect all infection control measures.
• Preparations are underway to train all health workers at Mengo Hospital and Mpigi Health Center IV on infection control starting tomorrow 6/10/2014 at 9.00am
• Government working with partners and specifically Medicens San Frontiers (MSF) are in the process of revamping the isolation facility at Mulago National Referral Hospital under the leadership of Kampala Capital City Authority in readiness and the facility will be ready in three days time.
• MSF is also mobilizing additional resources to assist with infection control and case management at all the isolation facilities that have been set up.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing technical assistance and logistical support (PPE’s) to all the affected facilities.
• In Kasese, a team has been dispatched to work with the district official and Kagando Hospital to trace for any other suspects.
• Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) and other supplies have been mobilized and sent to Mengo and Mpigi health center IV and Kagando HCIV.
• National Medical Stores will supply additional infection control materials to Mengo Hospital and Mpigi HCIV by tomorrow morning.
The Ministry of Health however informs the general Public that Mengo Hospital is safe and all measures have been taken to ensure that there is no further spread of infection. Patients are encouraged to continue to receive services from there.
Ministry of Health urges the general public to observe the following protective measures;
• Report any suspected patient to a nearby health unit
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting with bleeding tendencies or symptoms of Marburg.
The Ministry of Health once again calls upon the public to remain calm and be on alert amidst this epidemic. All suspect cases can be reported on the Ministry hotline on +256750996034.
Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye
Minister of State for General Duties &
Holding the Portfolio of Minister for Health
Marburg: Five more suspects reported, 97 being monitored
An Ebola isolation unit at Mulago Hospital which is being rehabilitated
to accommodate Marburg patients. PHOTO BY RACHEL MABALA
By Agatha Ayebazibwe
Posted Tuesday, October 7 2014 at 01:00
Posted Tuesday, October 7 2014 at 01:00
In Summary
On alert. Marburg samples picked Mpingi District to be examined by the virus institute. P.45 Marburg suspects reported
Kampala. The Ministry of Health yesterday sent five more samples of the suspected Marburg fever to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for more tests after they presented signs of the disease.
On Sunday, the ministry confirmed a health worker had succumbed to the disease following laboratory tests done on September 30.
Kampala. The Ministry of Health yesterday sent five more samples of the suspected Marburg fever to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for more tests after they presented signs of the disease.
On Sunday, the ministry confirmed a health worker had succumbed to the disease following laboratory tests done on September 30.
The ministry is also awaiting results of a sample from the deceased’s brother, who has so far been listed as having developed signs of the deadly disease. He has since been quarantined and isolated for further monitoring.
According to the World Health Organisation country representative, Dr Alemu Wondimagegnehu, the five samples were drawn from people who were in contact with the deceased while at Mpingi Health Centre IV.
“The information we got from the team on the ground is that the five presented with signs of the disease. The samples have been delivered at UVRI and results are expected soon,” Dr Wondimagegnehu told Daily Monitor in an interview.
A temporary isolation centre has been set up at Mpigi Health Centre IV where the suspected cases are being quarantined.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Asuman Lukwago, also said another 17 contacts have been identified in Kampala, bringing the total of those who were in contact with the deceased to 97.
“Our teams are still on the ground tracing all the possible contacts. Those who have been identified will be isolated in their homes for at least 21 days. If they show any signs such as fever and headache, then we take their samples for further tests,” Dr Lukwago told Daily Monitor.
He added that results of the six samples are expected in a few hours.
However, some officials have expressed concern over the ministry’s preparedness to handle the crisis, should it become a fully-fledged Marburg outbreak.
“The confirmatory test results were received at the Ministry of Health on September 30, but to date, the ministry has not released any money to facilitate the teams to respond appropriately,” said a source within the ministry who preferred to remain anonymous.
But Dr Lukwago said they are still treating the matter as an emergency, saying those involved can use their money which will be refunded once the ministry gets the money.
“We are aiding them with things such as fuel, cars to enable them move from one place to another. We also expect to have a costed plan for the response in the next 36 hours,” he added.
About the disease
Cause. Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the same family together with the Ebola virus. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days while the case fatality rates vary from 24 per cent to 88 per cent..
Spread. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the hosts of Marburg. The virus spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with wounds and body fluids.
Symptoms. Headache, vomiting blood, joint and muscle pains, bleeding through the body openings, such eyes, nose, gums, ears, anus and the skin.
Cause. Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the same family together with the Ebola virus. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days while the case fatality rates vary from 24 per cent to 88 per cent..
Spread. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the hosts of Marburg. The virus spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with wounds and body fluids.
Symptoms. Headache, vomiting blood, joint and muscle pains, bleeding through the body openings, such eyes, nose, gums, ears, anus and the skin.
US experts to monitor deadly hemorrhagic fevers in Uganda
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/652020-us-experts-to-monitor-deadly-hemorrhagic-fevers-in-uganda.html
By John Agaba
The United States Department of Defense is partnering with the health ministry to improve regional surveillance of deadly hemorrhagic fevers such as Marburg and Ebola.
The United States Department of Defense is partnering with the health ministry to improve regional surveillance of deadly hemorrhagic fevers such as Marburg and Ebola.
This was revealed Thursday by the health ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Asuman Lukwago, during the occasion to hand over 19 vehicles to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of health activities in the country.
Lukwago said a team of experts from the US Defense Department had already touched base in the country and was setting up structures on effective monitoring and control of the deadly fevers.
He said they are going to put epidemiologists (health experts) in every region of the country to constantly be on the lookout for any outbreak.
“In case any disease breaks up, these epidemiologists will be able to detect it very fast,” said Lukwago.
He said they were also working with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so for any disease outbreak, samples can be taken at the Institute and diagnosis done quickly.
A statement from the CDC, also released yesterday, read that preventing, detecting and responding to outbreaks as early and effectively as possible was necessary to keep the world safe and secure from infectious disease threats.
The statement indicated that the CDC has been partnering with the health ministry to effectively monitor and control the deadly pathogens for the last six months. And that the partnership had resulted in improvements in disease detection and response.
Uganda has had its share of the deadly pathogens, the prominent cases being of Ebola and the Marburg virus which killed scores of people in Kabale district in 2012.
Health ministry issues alert after Marburg death
Publish Date: Oct 05, 2014
The Ministry of Health has today announced one fatal case of Marburg disease. The victim is a 30 year old health worker.
The victim had been a radiographer, or X-ray technician, at the Mpigi Health Centre IV, but was recruited two months ago for a similar position at Mengo Hospital. When he felt ill on September 17, he traveled back to Mpigi for treatment since “he felt more confortable with a facility that he had worked with for a long time.”
Marburg is one of the five members of the family of filoviruses, to which Ebola belongs. Like Ebola, a person infected with Marburg will experience a sudden onset of fever.
The most common additional signs are headache, joint and muscle pains, vomiting blood, and bleeding through body openings. The disease has a two to 21-day incubation period and, like Ebola, has no cure other than supportive treatment.
Today’s statement from Elioda Tumwesigye, Minister of State for General Duties & Holding the Portfolio of Minister for Health, describes a total of 80 people who were in contact with the man have been identified and isolated to follow for signs and symptoms.
President Yoweri Museveni immediately called for vigilance. "The Ministry of health is tracing all the people including relatives who may have been in close contact. Please report suspicious cases," Museveni said on twitter.
"Stay calm but vigilant. Avoid shaking hands and cooperate with health workers."
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda reassured the country of measures to control the disease.
"Marburg is a Viral Hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus. Ministry of Helath has put in place rigorous surveillance and disease control measures. Uganda has experience and adequate capacity to deal with this health threat & World Health Organisation has been informed," Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said.
"The public has also been alerted to report any suspected cases on the Ministry hotline on +256750996034, " he added.
"Uganda has previously successfully handled similar situations of health threats involving Hemorrhagic fevers."
FULL STATEMENT
Ministry of Health Press Statement on confirmed Marburg Fever death
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that there is a confirmed case of Marburg in the country.
This initial case follows laboratory tests done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on September 30th 2014 which confirmed that one person, a health worker, had died of the viral hemorrhagic fever.
The index case is a 30-year-old male Radiographer, who originally was working in Mpigi Health Centre IV, Mpigi Town Council but had been recruited by Mengo Hospital two month ago as a Radiographer. He started feeling unwell on September 17th while at Mengo Hospital and travelled back to Mpigi HCIV on September 18th to seek treatment since he felt more comfortable with a facility that he had worked with for a long time.
He was treated at Mpigi Health Center IV but when his condition worsened, he was transferred back to Mengo Hospital where he was admitted on September 23rd. He presented with Headache, Epistaxis, abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhea. His condition deteriorated on September 27th and a Viral Haemorraghic fever was suspected. Blood samples were removed for further analysis on September 28th; unfortunately he died on the same day. His body was taken to Munkunyu 1 Village, Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese district for burial.
Preliminary reports also show that his brother, one of the contacts so far listed has developed signs. He has been quarantined and isolated for further monitoring. Samples have been taken from him and are being tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The public will be informed of his status. Altogether 80 contacts have been listed from Mengo, Mpigi and Kasese for follow up.
Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is a fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the filoviridae family together with the Ebola virus. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days while the Case fatality rates vary from 24% to 88%. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural hosts of Marburg virus. The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from the fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with wounds and body fluids like blood, saliva, vomitus, stool and urine of an infected person.
A person suffering from Marburg presents with sudden onset of high fever with any of the following;
1. Headache
2. Vomiting blood
3. Joint and muscle pains
4. Bleeding through the body openings, i.e. eyes, nose, gums, ears, anus and the skin.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; patients are usually given supportive treatment.
The Ministry of Health is undertaking the following measures to control the spread of the disease;
• Yesterday, a team of epidemiologists and surveillance officers were sent to Mpigi Health Center IV, Mengo Hospital and to Kasese district to investigate the case and list all people who got into contact with the dead.
• So far, a total of 80 people who got into contact with the initial confirmed case have been identified and isolated as a precautionary measure and for follow up for any signs and symptoms within the 21 days incubation period. These include 38 health workers from Mengo Hospital, including his brother and 22 health workers from Mpigi Health Center IV and 20 people from Kasese district. They are currently being monitored by a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health.
• Arrangements have been put in place to transport all suspect cases to the National Isolation Facility in Entebbe should they occur. The facility is already stocked with the necessary infection control materials and other supplies to handle any incoming patients.
• Arrangements have also been made at Mengo Hospital to isolate any suspect with symptoms. Health workers have been asked to effect all infection control measures.
• Preparations are underway to train all health workers at Mengo Hospital and Mpigi Health Center IV on infection control starting tomorrow 6/10/2014 at 9.00am
• Government working with partners and specifically Medicens San Frontiers (MSF) are in the process of revamping the isolation facility at Mulago National Referral Hospital under the leadership of Kampala Capital City Authority in readiness and the facility will be ready in three days time.
• MSF is also mobilizing additional resources to assist with infection control and case management at all the isolation facilities that have been set up.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing technical assistance and logistical support (PPE’s) to all the affected facilities.
• In Kasese, a team has been dispatched to work with the district official and Kagando Hospital to trace for any other suspects.
• Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) and other supplies have been mobilized and sent to Mengo and Mpigi health center IV and Kagando HCIV.
• National Medical Stores will supply additional infection control materials to Mengo Hospital and Mpigi HCIV by tomorrow morning.
The Ministry of Health however informs the general Public that Mengo Hospital is safe and all measures have been taken to ensure that there is no further spread of infection. Patients are encouraged to continue to receive services from there.
Ministry of Health urges the general public to observe the following protective measures;
• Report any suspected patient to a nearby health unit
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting with bleeding tendencies or symptoms of Marburg.
The Ministry of Health once again calls upon the public to remain calm and be on alert amidst this epidemic. All suspect cases can be reported on the Ministry hotline on +256750996034.
Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye
Minister of State for General Duties &
Holding the Portfolio of Minister for Health
