CNN
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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has declared a right away three-week lockdown in two excessive danger districts because the nation battles an increase in Ebola infections.
All motion out and in of the Mubende and Kassanda districts will likely be halted, Museveni mentioned in a televised handle on Saturday – though cargo vehicles will likely be allowed to enter and depart the areas.
Curfews may also be imposed. Locations of worship, bars, gyms, saunas and different leisure venues will shut however colleges will stay open, he added.
“Given the gravity of the issue and to stop additional unfold and defend lives and livelihoods, the federal government is taking further measures that require motion from all of us,” Museveni mentioned.
The Ugandan well being ministry may also enhance contact tracing and help to native well being services.
Ebola is a uncommon however lethal illness. It spreads by means of direct contact with physique fluids and isn’t transmitted by means of airborne viral particles, the the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) says.
It has no remedy, and there’s no authorized vaccine, though there’s a concerted effort to create one.
Talking at a media briefing earlier this month, World Well being Group Director-Basic Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned the vaccines used efficiently to curb current Ebola outbreaks within the Democratic Republic of the Congo are usually not efficient towards the kind of Ebola virus now circulating in Uganda.
“Nevertheless, a number of vaccines are in numerous levels of growth towards this virus, two of which may start medical trials in Uganda within the coming weeks, pending regulatory and ethics approvals from the Ugandan authorities,” mentioned Tedros.
Uganda has skilled 4 Ebola outbreaks. The deadliest left greater than 200 folks useless in 2000.
Museveni declared an Ebola outbreak in September after a case of the comparatively uncommon Sudan pressure was confirmed and instances started to rise throughout districts.
The newest outbreak has thus far killed 29 amid 63 recorded instances.
In line with the CDC, an individual contaminated with Ebola “isn’t contagious till signs seem (together with fever, headache, muscle and joint ache, fatigue, lack of urge for food, gastrointestinal signs, and unexplained bleeding).”
The virus spreads by means of direct contact with physique fluids and isn’t transmitted by means of airborne viral particles, the CDC says.
