Extension of containment in Uganda in the face of the Ebola epidemic
Two counties at the center of an Ebola outbreak in Uganda that has killed 55 people have been placed under a new 21-day lockdown.
Announcing a third 21-day lockdown, President Museveni described the situation in Uganda as “still fragile”.
AFP
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday imposed a new 21-day curfew extension in two counties at the epicenter of an Ebola outbreak that has killed 55 people, while insisting its spread is being contained.
Since the outbreak was announced on September 20, Ebola has spread and reached the capital, Kampala, although health officials this week reported a drop in the number of cases. Mubende and Kasanda, the two central districts at the center of the outbreak, were placed under a 21-day lockdown on October 15.
The measure – a night curfew, a ban on private travel and the closure of markets, bars and churches – was renewed on November 5. Announcing a third 21-day lockdown, President Museveni described the situation as “still fragile”. “If we open now and a case appears, we will destroy all the gains made in this war,” he said in a national speech read by his deputy, Jessica Alubo.
“A Call to Peace”
“So I ask for calm and understanding. Our health workers will continue to do everything necessary to save lives and end the epidemic,” the president emphasized. According to WHO criteria, an epidemic ends when there are no new cases for 42 consecutive days – twice the incubation period of Ebola.
Health Minister Jane Ruth Aseng told AFP this week that the number of new cases recorded was falling and there were signs of “success” in Uganda’s fight. The WHO office in Uganda said that as of Thursday, November 22, no cases had been reported in Kampala for nine days, Mubende for ten days and Kasanda for twelve days. The epidemic has claimed 141 cases and 55 lives, according to the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
AFP
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