The government has issued a health alert following the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Uganda.
In a statement on Wednesday, 21st September Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe directed all counties to be vigilant and enhance surveillance, especially at the borders.
Kagwe advised Governors to activate rapid response teams to support the identification of any suspected cases and make prompt reporting.
He further emphasized the need for the counties to carry out screening of at-risk populations including travellers, truck drivers, bush meat handlers, and health care workers.
The CS also alerted counties to mobilize relevant stakeholders to initiate prevention, preparedness and response measures.
“As the Ministry takes up these measures and whilst we do not wish people to go into any panic, I call on members of the public to take heightened precautions while visiting Uganda as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Kagwe stated.
He also urged the public to watch out for any signs of a person presenting acute onset of fever, especially if in contact with a person with history travel from Uganda or the DRC.
Other signs of the virus are vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, headache, sore throat, measles-like rash, red eyes and bleeding from body organs.
CS Kagwe noted that the government is committed to limiting public health threats and shall remain vigilant to ensure citizens are informed and protected from such threats.
