Ebola is a viral haemorrhagic fever
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Uganda has announced new measures for the latest Ebola outbreak in two districts.
The current strain, for which there is no vaccine, has its origins in Sudan but has been found in Mubende around 50 miles (80km) from the capital.
New restrictions and plans were put in place in a televised address on Saturday, October 15, by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. This declaration was a complete shift from his previous position that there was no need for these measures.
So what should you know about the latest Ebola outbreak?
When was the latest Ebola outbreak?
Cases of the rare but deadly disease have recently gone up in some Ugandan districts, with Mubende remaining the centre of the outbreak. During the latest outbreak, 19 fatalities and five cases have been recorded. However, the real number may be higher.
A 24-year-old man in Mubende was the first recorded death of this outbreak, along with six of his family members.
What measures is Uganda taking to fight the outbreak?
President Museveni has announced a three-week lockdown, effective from Monday, October 17.
Museveni said on Saturday that movement through the Mubende and Kassanda districts will be stopped and curfews imposed; however, freight lorries will be allowed to enter and exit the areas. The isolation period lasts anywhere from two days to three weeks and will be police-enforced for those infected.
He said: “Given the gravity of the problem and to prevent further spread and protect lives and livelihoods, the government is taking extra measures that require action from all of us. These are temporary measures to control the spread of Ebola. We should all cooperate with authorities so we bring this outbreak to an end in the shortest possible time."
Schools will remain open but places of entertainment, worship, gyms, bars, and saunas have been closed.
The health ministry in Uganda has increased local assistance to health facilities and has increased contact tracing.
Kampala’s ministry of health has issued guidelines on preventing the spread of the Ebola virus, while the president has forbidden traditional healers from handling cases.
Ebola is contracted through bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces or material.
