Residents of Ruhama Sub County in Ntungamo district are living in fear following the death of five people due to an outbreak of a strange disease. Tom Rwomushana, the LC III chairman Ruhama sub county says the disease broke out last week in Kibutamo village in Kafunzo parish. He identifies some of the deceased as Kenneth Rukonya, Rumanzi Rwakitamoga, Geoffrey Kahigi, Mrs. Rukonya and Kitongano.
Mpinga Salongo, the brother to the late Geoffrey Kahigi says that before succumbing to death the victims presented with symptoms of high fever, running stomach and vomiting blood. Mpinga says that 3 of their neighbors presenting with similar symptoms are admitted at Kitwe Health Center IV in Ruhama Sub County. George Bamuturaki, Ntungamo district health officer says that they have not yet identified the disease. He says a health team has collected samples from one of the deceased of the victims.
Nelson Kirenda, the chief Administrative officer Ntungamo says that they have already dispersed a team to Ruhama Sub County to assess the situation. He calls upon the local to avoid getting into close contact with the sick until health experts identify the disease, since it spreads faster. Over the last two week, 14 people were killed in Kibaale district with similar symptoms. The disease has been confirmed as Ebola Sudan.
As a result, government has issued an Ebola alert advising people to avoid body contact and congested places to avoid further spread of the disease. A statement signed by Dr Denis Lwamafa on behalf of the Director General of health services issued this evening, says the number of suspected Ebola patients recorded at Kagadi Hospital since Monday has increased to 18. The ministry says there are 3 confirmed ebola cases while 15 others are being held in the Isolation ward.
The ministry says the suspects are receiving treatment from the medical team dispatched by the national task force and local health officials. The statement also says the medical team is actively following 40 people who are suspected to have come in contact with the Ebola victims.
