Uganda health officials have confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus, which has killed one woman in the eastern district of Kween.
The authorities say they are trying to prevent the dangerous virus from spreading further in the East African country.
“The confirmed case was a fifty year old female from Chemuron village, Mayok parish, Mayok sub county Kween district in eastern Uganda. She presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of viral hemorrhagic fever and unfortunately passed on during the night of October 11th 2017 at Kapchorwa hospital,” Health Minister Ruth Aceng said.
Following reports of the outbreak on Thursday, ten health workers in the eastern districts of Kapchorwa and Kween have been quarantined after getting in contact with the deceased.
To contain the virus, the health ministry has now issued guidelines on how to avoid contracting the disease.
“Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting bleeding tendencies or symptoms suggestive of Marburg virus disease. Health workers are further reminded to wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of ill patients or suspected cases,” Aceng said in her briefing.
Symptoms of the disease include headache, joint pains, nausea and vomiting.
The disease is considered dangerous, but is not always fatal as it can be treated. There is however no vaccine against it.
Uganda last outbreak of Marburg was in 2012.
