Uganda has confirmed two additional cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of infections linked to the latest outbreak to seven since the disease was officially detected on May 15.
According to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the newly confirmed cases involve two Ugandan health workers employed at a private medical facility in Kampala.
The ministry said both patients had been admitted to a designated treatment centre where they are receiving medical care, while health officials continue efforts to trace and monitor individuals who may have had contact with them.
Authorities also urged the public to immediately report anyone showing symptoms associated with Ebola to nearby health facilities in order to contain further spread of the virus.
The development comes as the outbreak continues to expand across parts of Central and East Africa.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that more than 900 suspected Ebola cases had already been identified in Democratic Republic of the Congo, which remains the epicentre of the outbreak. The WHO officially declared the outbreak on May 15.
Last week, Uganda suspended public transport links with the Democratic Republic of the Congo after confirming an Ebola infection and a related death involving Congolese nationals who had crossed the border into the country. Additional cases confirmed over the weekend included a Ugandan driver, another Ugandan health worker and a woman from the DRC, highlighting concerns over cross-border transmission.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. The illness can trigger severe internal bleeding, organ failure and death if not quickly contained and treated. Health authorities across the region have intensified surveillance, border screening and public awareness campaigns in an effort to prevent a wider regional outbreak.
