The Republic of Uganda

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Office of the Director General Health Services - Public Relations Unit

Director Generals Office: 256-414-340873 Fax: 256-41-4231584
dg@health.go.ug/vivianserwanjja@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE
No Ebola In Uganda. Ministry of Health issues prevention guidelines.
Kampala 8/6/2017 - The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that there is no single case of Ebola
Virus Disease (EVD) that has been confirmed in Uganda.

As a result of our strong vigilance at entry points in the country, one suspect case was identified on 30 th May
2017 in Gulu district. A 19-year-old adult from Mocope village, Paridi parish, Adjumani town council - in
Adjumani District, was a case referred to Lacor Hospital with severe anaemia. She presented to the hospital Out
Patient Department (OPD) with history of vaginal bleeding, fever, lower abdominal pain, vomiting and difficult
breathing.

The suspect was held at the hospital isolation facility and samples taken from her. Results from the Uganda
Virus Research Institute (UVRI) however, indicated that the case tested negative for all Ebola viruses and other
hemorrhagic fevers such as, Marburg, Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever and Rift Valley Fever .

The Ministry of Health, however, continues to strengthen its efforts to prevent any possible spread of the
epidemic to Uganda, through the following measures:

1. Screening of travelers at Entebbe International Airport; All travelers from Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) are being screened at the Health desk for Ebola signs and symptoms. The
screening targets all passengers who have had a history of travel of not less than 21 days to
the DRC.

2. The passengers are required to complete a screening form and an information leaflet about
Ebola and contact numbers of surveillance are given to all non-symptomatic passengers. A
private Medical Centre at the airport has been equipped to provide counselling and clinical
screening of all suspects. A standby ambulance with driver and relevant protective gear has
been provided by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is available twenty four seven.

3. The Ministry of Health has instructed leaders in the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Kisoro,
Kanungu, Kasese, Bundibugyo,Hoima, Bulisa, Nebbi, Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Kibaaleand
Kabaale to reactivate the District Task Forces in preparations for any possible outbreak. These
taskforces are assigned to conduct a rapid risk assessment on importation of Ebola Virus
 Disease (EVD) cases through their districts, review and update district EVD preparedness and
response plans, and establish ground crossing requirements (temperature screening/verbal
screening/hand washing/IEC materials) to limit the risk of EVD importation while avoiding
unnecessary interference in
trade and travel. They are also expected to ensure adequate community information and
heightened surveillance by front line health workers in all health facilities.

4. Isolation facilities in Bundibugyo district and Entebbe airport have been set up to attend to any
suspected case. Health workers have been oriented on handling Ebola patients including
Infection control and supportive care.

All travelers are requested to cooperate with the Immigration, Health and Security officials to ensure
effective screening at all entry points, and keep Uganda free of Ebola.

Prof. Anthony K. Mbonye

Ag. Director General Health Services

For further Information, Contact; The Director General Health Services or Vivian Nakaliika Serwanjja Public Relations
Officer on 0772979033