Uganda Declares End of the Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak

Kampala — Uganda’s ministry of health on Tuesday declared an end of the deadly yellow fever outbreak that has killed three people and infected another seven in the central and western parts of the country.

Anthony Mbonye, acting Director General Health Services in a statement issued here said the declaration follows no evidence of any active Yellow Fever transmission for the June 1-30 period.

“Today (Tuesday), I have the honour and pleasure to inform the general public and partners the 2016 Yellow Fever outbreak is fully contained,” said Mbonye.

Uganda, from March 24 to May 4 this year, reported a total of 65 suspected Yellow Fever cases in the central districts of Masaka, Kalangala and western district of Rukungiri.

The East African country last reported yellow fever outbreak in 2010, that affected five districts in the northern part of the country.

“Disease surveillance efforts are still ongoing to detect any other possible outbreak of Yellow Fever,” said Mbonye.

Uganda’s announcement of the deadly virus comes as Angola, the most affected country and Democratic Republic of Congo are still battling with the disease.

“Efforts are also still ongoing to ensure that the risk of importation of Yellow Fever through international travel is minimized. It is mandatory that individuals travelling from Yellow Fever high risk countries into Uganda are fully vaccinated against Yellow Fever before entry into Uganda,” said Mbonye.

“Unvaccinated travelers from Uganda are also advised to access the Yellow Fever vaccine from centres that are accredited to provide Yellow Fever vaccination,” he said.

Yellow Fever is an acute viral disease. The virus causes fever, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and bleeding from any part of the body. The virus is spread and transmitted to people through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

Vaccination is the most cost effective way of protecting the people against the disease, according to the World Health Organization. (PNA/Xinhua) FPV/EBP