Ebola outbreak in Uganda – Information for awareness

You may be aware that there is an ongoing Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the European Centre for Disease control and protection (ECDC) are currently monitoring cases. This situation has been reviewed and there are clear local and national processes for dealing with diseases of high consequence.

The situation has been monitored and with the information available the risk to the UK remains ‘very low’, and the importation of cases into Europe is considered ‘unlikely’.

Ebola virus disease is caused by the Ebola virus. This is a rare disease, but can cause outbreaks with high case fatality rates. The districts currently affected are Bunyangabu, Kagadi, Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Masaka, Mubende and Wakiso.

Ebola virus is transmitted from person to person through direct contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of an infected person. There is no evidence for an airborne route of transmission – transmission via large saliva droplets may be possible but this is an unlikely route of spread. Therefore, the risk of infection is considered to be very low if appropriate infection prevention and control precautions are strictly followed.

EVD presents with a wide range of symptoms, with an incubation period of between 2 to 21 days post-exposure (average 4 to 10 days). The onset of symptoms can be sudden, with fever, malaise, myalgia, and headaches. These symptoms may progress to include rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Internal and/or external bleeding may occur but will not be present in all cases, nor early in illness, and this should not be used as the sole indicator for suspicion of EVD.

Any confirmed cases of Ebola should be directed to HART for a High Consequence Infectious Disease transfer as part of standard process.

However, if a clinician attends a patient where Ebola is suspected then ensure AOC are notified for and that HCID PPE is used during any patient care;

FFP3 or PAPR
Eye protection (full face visor should be used if using valved FFP3)
Hooded coverall with head covered
Double gloves
Fluid repellent boot covers

If you have any questions, please contact Shaun Watkins at: shaun.watkins@eastamb.nhs.uk – you can find out more about the outbreak by following the links below.

Ebola outbreak in Uganda, as of 7 November 2022 (europa.eu)

Public health message to all NHS service providers regarding Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda (Sudan ebolavirus) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-monitoring-ebola-outbreak-in-east-africa

Currently there are no cases recorded in the UK as a result of this and the risk of cases arriving is very low. This information is to draw attention to the matter, as people may have seen it in the news and so this is to provide context of risk. This article is also to reiterate the protocols to follow in the unlikely event a possible case is raised.

Published 18th November 2022