W.H.O. Declares End to Uganda’s Worst Ebola Outbreak in Two Decades

Wednesday’s declaration by the World Health Organization of the latest Ebola outbreak in Uganda was a closure to a devastating epidemic that had ravaged the country for nearly four months and claimed many lives.

The Ebola outbreak spread to nine districts including Kampala, the capital of Uganda, raising concerns about its spreading across East Africa. It was the worst Ebola outbreak in Uganda in more than two decades, and the second-deadliest in the country’s history, with 142 confirmed cases and 55 deaths, and an additional 22 deaths also linked to the outbreak, according to the W.H.O. Seven of the victims were health workers.

The W.H.O. considers an epidemic overWhen there are no confirmed cases or probable cases reported within 42 days, it is twice the time for Ebola infection incubation.

The outbreak response was hindered by the inability to identify and trace the first case. There was also widespread misinformation among the general public about the perils of the virus and its existence.

Initial authorization was also given by the authorities. hesitated to impose a lockdownThe epicenter of this outbreak is in central Uganda. People fear that any restrictions could adversely impact the economy and cause anger among people who have been subject to Covid shutdowns in the past.

The outbreakSudan strain of virus was responsible. It has no approved treatment or vaccine. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti is the W.H.O. Regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, stated that it was difficult to combat the virus because of the absence of treatment.

“Two months ago, it looked as if Ebola would cast a dark shadow over the country well into 2023,” Dr. Moeti said in a statement. “But this win starts off the year on a note of great hope for Africa.”

Ebola, a hemorhagic disease, is spread by contact with sick or deceased people or animals. The symptoms of Ebola include fever, fatigue, headaches and vomiting.

Half of the people it infects die from this virus. The virus causes half of all deaths. worst outbreakBetween 2014-16, records were spread throughout West Africa. one in the Democratic Republic of CongoIn 2018. There are many things to be thankful for in 2018. existing Ebola vaccines — like the injectable Ervebo vaccine that was crucial to ending the outbreak in Congo — they do not protect against the Sudan strain.

In the past, Uganda has experienced multiple Ebola epidemics. The worst occurred in 2000. killing 224 peopleAccording to the W.H.O.

The most recent outbreak was reported by the media on Sept. 20. A case was discovered at a hospital located in Mubende, 90 miles west from Kampala.

A 24-year-old male patient presented with symptoms that included high fever, convulsions, chest pain, and convulsions. He also had bleeding in his eyes. Before he was finally diagnosed and tested positive for the virus, he had been to several health facilities. He died September 19.

Over the course of weeks, Ugandan officials have refused to issue restrictions beyond the epicenter in the country’s central part. Experts in health were concerned about the movement of people and the fact the areas where cases were reported bordered a major highway that connects them to the capital city and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda, imposed an overnight curfew and stopped movement between Mubende, Kassanda and Kassanda as they were the epicenters of the outbreak. This was only in mid-October.

However, by that time, the virus had reached all parts of the country including the capital and Jinja (a city located near Lake Victoria). Ebola patients had also fled quarantine, increasing the risk to more people. Fearing international spread, the United States has taken precautions. began screening air travelersWho had been to Uganda?

In late November, the epidemic was under control and the last patient was discharged. Mubende and Kassanda were released from hospital by Mr. Museveni in mid-December. He stated that the country had managed to keep the virus under control.

Uganda is also available received three vaccinesW.H.O. In December, the W.H.O. announced that the vaccine candidates were going to be tested against the Sudan strain. But the vaccine candidates came too late as they had not received any new contacts or cases.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng from Uganda is the minister of health. She said that people should remain alert and report any symptoms.

“Uganda is now free of active Ebola transmission,” she said. “But let’s remain vigilant.”