Uganda: Patient dies from Marburg, hemorrhagic fever virus similar to Ebola, 80 monitored

| WTF News |

Reports out of Uganda say that a person has died from the hemorrhagic fever Marburg which is similiar to the Ebola virus. It is being reported that as many as 80 other people are being monitored for the virus as well. The President of Uganda noted on his Twitter account some of the steps the country was taking in response, he also suggested residents stop shaking hands.

Xinhua
The deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever has broken out in Uganda after samples taken to the Uganda Virus Institute tested positive, a top government official said Sunday.

Elioda Tumwesigye, minister of state for health told reporters that one person has so far died and 80 others are being monitored in central Uganda and the western district of Kasese.

“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the country of an outbreak Marburg which has so far killed one person. Another person who has developed signs is being monitored,” he said.

He said the index case died on Sept. 28 after developing signs of Marburg which was later confirmed by laboratory tests. The minister said the deceased’s brother has also developed signs and is currently under isolation.

He added that all the people that had contact with them are being monitored.

The Marburg virus was last reported in Uganda in 2012.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Marburg death. Stay calm but vigilant. Avoid shaking hands and cooperate with health workers.

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) October 5, 2014