Public concern is rising after health officials sounded an alert warning of reports of a potential case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in western Uganda.
No contacts of the Marburg case have developed symptoms and there is currently no active case, and the World Health Organization said it had been notified of a case by Uganda on 30 June, and had informed its member states
Africa CDC said the Marburg case was detected in Kyegegwa district in the west of Uganda, in a 1-1/2-year-old child who had died.
“Africa CDC is engaging the Government of Uganda through official public health channels on reports concerning Marburg virus disease. At this stage, we cannot confirm reports of any additional case,” the spokesperson, Saran Koly, said.
Here are five health protocols everyone should know.
1. Know how Marburg spreads
Instead, it spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. These include saliva, vomit, urine, faeces, sweat, breast milk and semen.
People can also become infected by touching contaminated clothing, bedding, medical equipment or surfaces. Initial infections may occur after prolonged exposure to fruit bats or caves where they live.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
Avoid direct contact with anyone showing symptoms.
Do not handle contaminated clothing or bedding without protection.
Avoid contact with bats and caves in affected areas.
Watch for:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Extreme weakness
- Chills
As the illness progresses, some patients develop vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and a rash. Severe cases may involve unexplained bleeding from the nose, gums or other parts of the body, although bleeding does not occur in every patient.
If you recently travelled to an affected area or had contact with a suspected case, do not assume it is malaria. Seek medical advice immediately.
If you recently visited western Uganda, especially areas under investigation, or had close contact with a suspected case, monitor yourself for fever or any flu-like symptoms for 21 days.
Take your temperature daily and limit unnecessary close contact with others if you begin feeling unwell.
4. Call before going to a health facility
Instead:
Call your nearest health facility or district health authorities.
Explain your symptoms and any recent travel or contact history.
Follow the instructions you are given before travelling.
This allows health workers to prepare protective measures and reduces the risk of exposing other patients and staff.
Rely on updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, district health authorities and recognised international public health agencies. Avoid forwarding unverified social media posts that may cause unnecessary panic.
For now, Uganda’s health authorities say they have confirmed only an isolated Marburg case and that there is no active outbreak, but surveillance remains in place as investigations continue.
