EBOLA confirmed in Kampala

1 August 2012

Uganda's President,Yoweri Museveni, has urged people to avoid physical contact with other people, after the deadly Ebola virus claimed one life in the capital, Kampala. Fourteen people had died since the outbreak began in western Uganda three weeks ago, he said in a broadcast.There have been no confirmed cases of the infection spreading in Kampala.Ebola, one of the most virulent diseases in the world, is spread by close personal contact and kills up to 90% of those who become infected.

People should avoid shaking hands, kissing or having sex to prevent the disease from spreading, he added.Museveni said seven doctors and 13 health workers at Mulago hospital - the main referral hospital in Kampala - were in quarantine after "at least one or two cases" were taken there from Kibaale district, about 170km west of Kampala.