The Ministry of Health’s department of epidemics monitoring and response has said the country is on high alert to prevent the cross-border spread of Marburg virus disease (MVD) following the outbreak in Rwanda.
At least eight virus deaths and 26 cases of Marburg virus infections have been reported by the Health Authorities of Rwanda. The country borders Uganda in the South Western part with frequent movement of people between the two countries, indicating a risk of spread of a disease, which can kill between 24-88 percent of those infected.
Dr Allan Muruta, the Commissioner of Integrated Epidemiology Surveillance and Public Health Emergencies in Uganda's Health ministry, yesterday told this publication that they are strengthening their systems to prevent cross-border spread.
“We have put up a checklist to see which aspects we should strengthen as a country for readiness to prevent and detect the Marburg [virus] in the neighbouring country,” he said.
Dr Muruta added: “The checklist ranges from coordination, surveillance, risk communication, and risk management to ensure we are ready and ensure we sensitise people on how Marburg looks like, and how to detect, isolate and handle.”
