Uganda Bolsters Efforts to Contain Ebola as the Virus Continues to Spread
Uganda health officials reported 24 new cases of Ebola since last week, including 2 deaths. Uganda authorities have confirmed 109 total cases and 30 deaths since the initial outbreak was declared on September 20. Since then the country has intensified efforts to contain the virus’s spread. The health ministry announced the opening of a new treatment center in addition to the 5 that have already been built. The temporary facility, set up at Mulago sports field, increases the total number of beds available to treat Ebola patients to 351. To date no vaccine has proven effective against the Ebola variant responsible for this outbreak. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng announced the government plans to start trials of three vaccines designed specifically for this Sudan variant within the next two weeks. “The main objective is to evaluate their efficacy to protect primary contacts of Ebola patients within 29 days of contact,” said Aceng.
Full Story: Reuters, Associated Press