Health
At least one dead in Ebola outbreak in Uganda
A worker in medical protective gear wears protective gloves at a hospital where an Ebola victim was isolated. photo
© Ronald Kabuubi/AP/dpa
Concern is growing in Uganda after a person dies from Ebola. It is the first time in ten years that a specific variant of the virus has been detected there. The WHO announces support.
At least one person has died from Ebola in Uganda, according to the Ministry of Health. The authority announced on Twitter on Tuesday that the virus had been detected in the Mubende district, around 170 kilometers west of the capital Kampala. The dead man is a 24-year-old from the region.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the confirmed case in the East African country was preceded by several suspected cases. Since the beginning of the month, six people in the region have been taken to hospital with typical Ebola symptoms and have died. Eight other suspected cases are currently being examined.
The relatively rare Sudan Ebola virus was detected, one of the most aggressive variants alongside the Zaire Ebola virus, according to the WHO. According to Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa director, it is the first time in ten years that the Sudan variant has been detected in Uganda. Moeti announced that he wanted to support Uganda with aid.
Just last month, Uganda’s neighboring country Congo reported another Ebola outbreak.