Uganda discharged eight Ebola patients who recovered from the Sudan strain after two negative tests. The outbreak, which began last month, has resulted in one death and eight infections, with 265 individuals in quarantine. There is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, but trials have commenced. Health officials stress the importance of community support for discharged patients.
Uganda has successfully discharged eight patients who recovered from the Sudan strain of Ebola after they tested negative for the virus twice. The outbreak began last month, resulting in one fatality and one additional infection, with a total of eight confirmed cases. Meanwhile, 265 individuals remain in quarantine due to exposure risk.
This outbreak marks the eighth instance of Ebola in Uganda since recording its first case in the year 2000. The Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, causing a severe hemorrhagic fever without an approved vaccine, unlike the Zaire strain. Uganda’s government has initiated trials for a vaccine this month.
The only known victim of this outbreak is a 32-year-old male nurse. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero announced the discharge of the recovered patients, urging communities to normalize interactions with them to avoid stigmatization.
The World Health Organization commended the recovery of the eight patients as a significant step in controlling the outbreak. Although the Sudan strain has a severe fatality rate of at least 40%, the current outbreak has exhibited a notably lower rate of deaths, according to WHO reports.
In summary, Uganda has discharged eight recovered Ebola patients amid an outbreak of the Sudan strain, which has resulted in one death and several quarantines. This marked event is crucial in combating the current public health situation, highlighting the importance of community acceptance and ongoing vaccine trials as key measures in managing outbreaks.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
