The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided new details about a second cluster of Ebola Sudan cases in Uganda, raising concerns over undetected transmission. In its March 8 update, WHO confirmed three new cases and two probable cases linked to a four-year-old child who died from the virus on February 25. Authorities have intensified surveillance efforts as the outbreak spreads across multiple districts.
Ebola Cluster Linked to a Child’s Death
All five cases in the second cluster are connected to the deceased child, identified as the tenth confirmed case. The WHO’s African regional office reported that the child’s mother had previously died of an acute illness after giving birth at a hospital. The newborn also did not survive. Neither the mother nor the baby were tested for Ebola, but their deaths have been recorded as probable cases.
The family was from Ntoroko district in western Uganda, near the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border. The proximity to DRC raises concerns about cross-border transmission, which could complicate containment efforts.
Unsupervised Burials Raise Transmission Risks
WHO officials revealed that the mother showed Ebola symptoms starting January 22. She passed away on January 6, while her newborn died on January 12. Neither received a supervised burial, a crucial step in preventing virus spread.
The eleventh confirmed case is a woman who had direct contact with the deceased child, while the twelfth case involves another woman who had contact with the child’s mother. Both patients are currently receiving treatment at designated Ebola centers.
Increased Surveillance and Contact Monitoring
As of March 2, Ugandan health authorities have identified and are monitoring 192 new contacts linked to the second Ebola cluster. These individuals are spread across multiple districts, including Kampala and Wakiso in the eastern part of the country near the capital. Others are from Ntoroko district in western Uganda, highlighting the virus’s spread across different regions.
Ebola Sudan Outbreak in Uganda: Key Facts
This marks Uganda’s sixth outbreak of the Ebola Sudan strain. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, which has a fatality rate of up to 90%, the Ebola Sudan variant has a lower fatality rate, currently estimated at 29% in this outbreak. Previous Ebola Sudan outbreaks have recorded mortality rates between 41% and 70%.
Response Efforts and Public Health Measures
Ugandan health officials, in collaboration with WHO and other international partners, have ramped up containment measures. These include:
- Contact Tracing: Close monitoring of individuals who had direct or indirect contact with confirmed cases.
- Infection Control Measures: Strengthening hygiene protocols at healthcare facilities and ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
- Community Engagement: Raising awareness about Ebola symptoms, transmission risks, and the importance of safe burial practices.
- Border Surveillance: Enhanced screening at border crossings, particularly near DRC, to prevent cross-border transmission.
Ongoing Challenges in Containing the Outbreak
Despite these efforts, health experts remain concerned about potential undetected cases. The unsupervised burials of three recent deaths pose a significant risk of further transmission. Additionally, the spread of cases to multiple districts, including areas around the capital city, increases the complexity of containment efforts.
The Importance of Vigilance
WHO and Ugandan health authorities continue to urge the public to follow safety guidelines, report any suspected cases, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear. Timely intervention is critical in curbing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life.
For ongoing updates on Uganda’s Ebola outbreak and global health news, visit Daljoog News.