President Yoweri Museveni has allayed fears that the Ebola Virus Disease is spiraling out of control requiring a lock down.
During his address on issues of National importance at the State House Nakasero, President Museveni infections have been registered in only three districts of Mubende-Kassanda, Kyegegwa and Kansanga.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Health has confirmed only five deaths from Ebola of the 24 confirmed cases, disregarding rumours that several people have died from the deadly virus disease.
“The people who have died here are five out of the 24 confirmed cases.That means infected but not dead are 19. I have all the powerful people here of the Ministry. I saw on Aljazeera quoting wrong figures,” he said
He said all the cases are in three close districts and there is no need for panic from the population as long as all the necessary precautions to minimize infections.
The President said Uganda has the capacity to control the Ebola Virus Disease and there is no need for another lockdown as it was before with Covid 19 pandemic.
“I want to assure you that government has capacity to control this Ebola outbreak as we’ve done before. Therefore, there’s no need for restrictions or closure of public places like schools, markets.” he said
Adding that “It is true that Ebola is a dangerous diseases which is quite serious when you get it. Last time when we heard Ebola, 53/100 infected people died. If you get it, go to the hospital quickly.”
The President encouraged tourists not to cancel their visits to Uganda because of the fear of Ebola saying he would be the first to institute tough measures like those in early stages of Covid-19.
He also promised to update the nation should a vaccine for the EVD Sudan strain be made available.
“Ebola highly spreads through direct body contact and fluids. Other means are if you have sex, saliva and blood transfusion. The good news about Ebola is that it is not as infectious as Covid-19 which is mainly air-borne. I am told that there’s no vaccine for the Ebola-Sudan strain but some are being experimented. Even if it is being experimented, it can be used. I will update the nation as soon as the vaccine for Ebola-Sudan becomes available. Ebola is treatable.” he said
Museveni also appreciated efforts by health workers and pledged that his government would provide the necessary Personal Protective Equipment- PPE especially masks and gloves.
In his address, Museveni admitted that at least six health workers have been infected with the deadly virus and are currently undergoing treatment at Fort Portal and Mubende hospitals. Of the six, four are doctors, one anaesthetist, and one medical student.
Health workers in Mubende hospital this week put down their tools demanding that government provides them with the necessary PPE and risk allowance.
The Ministry of Health last week confirmed the outbreak of Ebola in Uganda with the epicenter being Mubende district, particularly Madudu sub-county.