Uganda reveals three more cases of Ebola, bringing the total to five

The health ministry in Uganda confirmed three new cases of Ebola on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections in that country’s current outbreak to five. To stop the disease from spreading, officials are now focusing more on finding people who may have been in contact with the new cases.

The rare Bundibugyo strain has spread, and the World Health Organization has called it an international public health emergency. They also say there is a “very high” chance that the outbreak will lead to a national plague in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been reported in Uganda’s neighbor, which is where the outbreak is centered.

The WHO says that Congo is especially at risk because of late discovery, the lack of a vaccine or virus-specific medicines, widespread armed violence, and people who move around a lot.

In Uganda, the new cases include a driver who brought in the first proven patient and a health worker who was exposed while caring for that patient.

The ministry said in a statement that both are getting care and were found among known contacts.

The third case involves a woman from Congo who came to Uganda with mild stomach problems. She then traveled from Arua, which is close to the border, to Entebbe before going to a private hospital in Kampala, the city, to get help.

The patient got better at first and went back to Congo, but later tests indicated that she had Ebola after a follow-up that was sparked by a tip from the pilot who was carrying her.

The ministry is closely monitoring all contacts linked to the confirmed cases. They also asked the people to stay alert and report any symptoms they think they might have.