The reports which first appeared on Social Media stated that the Uganda Virus Institute had confirmed two deaths from the hemorrhagic illness. The Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng said that only one case had been registered so far. “And this was confirmed after running a series of tests.” Said, Dr. Jane Aceng – Health Minister.

Ten health workers who attended to the deceased while she was admitted at Kapchorwa Hospital were now subjects of the examination. “And they have already been isolated in their homes for follow up. The rest of the teams are now moving in the villages.” Said, Dr. Jane Aceng.

The Marburg virus spreads among humans from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or body fluids of infected persons. “The infection among the birds seems to be seasonal and so sometimes you may find the birds without the infection and sometimes you find the birds with the infection.” Said, Dr. Miriam Nanyunja – Disease Prevention and Control, WHO.

The disease is symptomized by high fever, severe headache, and muscle aches. The person could also present with severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Since 2007, Uganda registered 12 deaths from the infection with the last cases in Mpigi district in 2014.

“Wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of patients or suspected cases.” Said the Health Minister. The Ministry said that if no other cases were registered within these 42 days from the last one detected, then it would be considered that the outbreak of the disease had been contained.