#12,861
Two days ago, in WHO Update: Marburg Virus Outbreak In Uganda, the number of confirmed, probable, and suspected Marburg infections stood at 5. As of yesterday, the MOH now reports that number has climbed to 9, including the death of the brother of a previously confirmed and of a probable case.
Six suspected cases have been ruled out, while the total number of contacts being followed up on currently stands at 130 (85 from Kween, and 45 from Kapchorwa district) . Over 30 others have already been removed from the list.This is Uganda's third outbreak in the past five years, with previous outbreaks reported in October of 2012 (see Here) and again in October of 2014 (see Here). Like with Ebola viruses, bats are believed to be the primary reservoir host for Marburg, although it isn't known what other hosts might carry the virus.
The following (admirably detailed) update was posted today on the Ugandan MOH website.
UPDATE ON THE MARBURG OUTBREAK – 26TH OCTOBER 2017
For immediate release
The number of cumulative cases has grown to 15 - two confirmed, four suspected, three probable cases and six ruled out.
In Kween district, our team managed to get a high risk contact who has been in hiding and was found to have developed Marburg-like symptoms. This patient is a 38-year-old male, brother to the confirmed case and the probable case.
Because of his close contact with the probable and confirmed cases, he was listed as a high risk contact. However, he refused review and follow-up by the contact tracing/surveillance team despite several attempts to do so.
On the 24 Oct 2017, however, he accepted to speak to the contact tracing team which noted that he had developed Marburg - like symptoms. He was transported to the isolation unit with fever, body weakness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, joint pains and history of vomiting blood while at home. Despite the tireless efforts from a dedicated case management team to revive this case, he unfortunately passed away earlier today (RIP).
A blood sample picked from this patient was sent to Uganda Virus Research Institute and tested positive for Marburg Virus Disease.
The other suspect case is a 25-year-old female from a village called government lodge, Kawowo parish, in Kapchorwa district who presented with Marburg – like symptoms. She has since been isolated and a sample was collected for confirmation. A pregnancy test was done and is positive. Her condition is however stable.
The new probable case is a 23-year-old male from Toywo village, Western Division, Kapchorwa Municipality. He shared a ward and his bed was next to the deceased confirmed case. A blood sample was collected and the case is still under isolation at Kapchorwa hospital in stable condition. His lab results are expected by tomorrow.
The total number of contacts under follow up currently stands at 130, 85 from Kween, and 45 from Kapchorwa district. None of the contacts has developed symptoms today.
As of this evening, 32 out of the 77 contacts from Kapchorwa district had either completed the recommended 21 days after exposure, or are no longer being followed because the case they were exposed to turned out to be negative.
Our multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder teams of experts will remain on ground in Kapchorwa and Kween districts until the outbreak is fully contained.
The Ministry of Health appeals to the general public to remain alert and observe the following precautions to control the spread of the Marburg virus:
You can report any suspected cases via the Ministry of Health hotline on 0800-100-066. For more information, contact the Ag. Director General of Health Services or the Public Relations Officer, on vivianserwanjja@gmail.com
- Report any suspected patients immediately to a nearby health facility.
- Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting with bleeding tendencies or symptoms suggestive of Marburg virus disease.
- Health workers are further reminded to wear gloves and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when taking care of ill patients or suspected cases.
- Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
- Avoid contact with persons who have died from the disease.
- Allow health workers to perform dignified burials among victims who might have succumbed to the disease, so as to minimise its spread to others.
