2000 - Uganda

08 December 2000

Disease Outbreak Reported

As of  8 December, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has reported the following new laboratory confirmed cases by district:

• In Gulu district, there have been 6 new laboratory confirmed cases and 2 deaths. The current cumulative figure for Gulu is now at 376 cases and 142 deaths.
• In Masindi there have been no new cases and 2 deaths. The cumulative figure for Masindi is at 24 cases and 14 deaths.
• In Mbarara, no new cases or deaths have been reported.

The cumulative figure for all affected districts in the country is 405 cases and 160 deaths.*

Since mid-October, partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network coordinated by WHO have been responding to the ebola outbreak in Gulu, Masindi and Mbarara districts. While the international response to the outbreak has progressed beyond the initial acute phase there is continued need for intensive measures to control and contain the outbreak.

The situation in Masindi requires particular attention and the Ugandan Ministry of Health has appealed  for volunteers to assist in the following areas: disease surveillance and control tracing; transportation of the dead; social mobilization; infection control; clinical care of patients. WHO and its partners have moblized international staff to support this effort.

* Corrigendum: the cumulative figures in the update of 5 December (see previous report) reflect only those for Gulu district, not for all affected districts as stated.