#17,048
In addition to US agencies announcing Targeted Airport Screening Of Travelers From Uganda, and the CDC's issuance of a HAN Advisory, yesterday the US State Department released an updated travel advisory for Uganda due to the Ebolavirus situation there.
Uganda - with a population of nearly 46 million and a high population density - is already challenged by a high rate of HIV (5.4%), and frequent outbreaks of Malaria, Yellow Fever, and a variety of other infectious diseases. According to the CDC:
Since 2014, the CDC-supported PHEOC responded to more than 270 events, including outbreaks of yellow fever, Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley fever, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, influenza, measles, cholera, typhoid, meningitis, and anthrax
While no exported cases have been reported, with this Ebola outbreak apparently flying under the radar for several weeks before it was confirmed - and no viable vaccine available for this strain - the US, UK, and other countries are taking the potential seriously.
Uganda Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory
October 6, 2022
Uganda - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Last Update: Reissued with updates to Ebolavirus disease (EVD) health information.
Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime and terrorism. Exercise increased caution due to Ebolavirus disease (EVD). Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice due to Ebolavirus disease in Uganda, currently present in the following districts: Mubende, Kassandra, Kyegegwa, Kagadi, and Bunyangabu.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CDC announced entrance screening for travelers who have been in Uganda in the last 21 days. All U.S.-bound passengers who have been in Uganda at any point in the 21 days prior to their arrival will be routed to one of the following designated airports: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), or Washington (IAD), where they will undergo enhanced screening, including a health questionnaire and temperature checks. This applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals (to include Diplomatic and Official visas).
Country summary: There remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region and there were multiple bombings committed by terrorists in and around Kampala in 2021. While the attacks did not appear to target foreigners, anyone can be a victim. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, can occur at any time, especially in larger cities including Kampala and Entebbe. Local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uganda.
If you decide to travel to Uganda:
- If you are planning to travel to the United States and have spent time in Uganda, be prepared for flight changes and cancellations and contact your airline with any questions.
- Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Food and drinks should never be left unattended in public especially in local clubs.
- Remain with a group of friends in public.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Keep a low profile.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Uganda.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Yesterday the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the following notice to all NHS providers on the Ebola situation in Uganda.
Details
Providers to ensure that relevant clinical services – particularly primary care, urgent care and emergency departments – are aware of the information in this public health message and that Ebola virus disease (EVD) is considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with relevant symptoms returning from the areas affected by the outbreak.
This alert has been issued to:
- all NHS trusts chief executives, medical directors, nursing directors, directors of infection prevention and control, and EPRR teams
- integrated care systems
- GP practices
- primary care networks
- NHS regional offices
- independent healthcare providers
In a related news release, the UKHSA describes the risk to the general public as `VERY LOW'.
UKHSA monitoring Ebola outbreak in East Africa
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently monitoring an outbreak of Ebola virus disease cases in Uganda.
From:UK Health Security Agency Published 6 October 2022
The risk to the public in the UK is very low and there are currently no cases of the disease confirmed in the UK. A public health alert has been issued to urge healthcare professionals to be vigilant to the symptoms in patients who have recently returned from affected areas and to remind them of the established procedures for infection control and testing.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe infection. It is caused by the Ebola virus, a filovirus that was first recognised in 1976 and has caused sporadic outbreaks since in several African countries.
Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Director of Clinical and Emerging Infection, said:
UKHSA constantly monitors emerging infection threats in collaboration with partners across the world. We are aware of an outbreak of Ebola cases in Uganda and are monitoring the situation closely. The risk to the public in the UK is very low.
Background
There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease contracted in the UK. Two cases contracted overseas were transported to the UK in 2014. Both recovered after treatment in specialist high consequence infectious disease (HCID) units.
While long known for its fearsome mortality rate, until the 2014-15 West African Ebola epidemic, outbreaks were relatively small and occurred mostly in very remote, sparsely populated regions of central Africa, limiting their impact.
The experience in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone demonstrated that Ebola has the capability of sparking large, deadly, regional epidemics. Particular in urban populations.
While primarily a regional threat, the possibility of seeing exported cases to other countries is real, and cannot be ignored. Hence the actions we are seeing here and in the UK.
