Due to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, the Risk Management Group advises against non-essential travel to the seven affected districts. The FPS Public Health reports this.
Ebola broke out in September in the East African country. So far, 109 confirmed cases, 31 deaths and 20 deaths from likely infected cases have been reported. However, 34 people have also been cured. “The circulating strain is Sudan, for which there is no approved vaccine,” said the FPS. “Fighting the outbreak focuses on early detection and isolation of cases.”
The chance that the virus would move to Belgium is currently estimated as very low, but it still sounds. “The greatest risk of introduction into Belgium lies with travellers who have visited the infected regions in Uganda and became infected.”
After a piece of advice from the Risk Assessment Group, the RMG recommended that non-essential travel – where delay has no negative consequences – to the seven affected districts. This concerns Mubende, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Bunyangabu, Kagadi, Wakiso and the capital Kampala.
The RMG also contacted airlines that operate direct flights between Brussels and Uganda to pay extra attention to hygiene and precautions on board the aircraft. In addition, health professionals and hospitals have also been informed about the outbreak. The FPS Public Health also notes that the advice can be adjusted in function of further evolution.
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids from infected persons or wild animals. The virus symptoms include muscle aches, high fever, malaise, headache and sore throat. Sometimes this is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. Unfortunately, according to the federal government service, there is no effective treatment.