As is true with the cases inside Uganda, reaching the affected populations is nearly half the challenge, as few passable roadways exist, in the districts. This is beautifully rugged, but truly untamed, and mountainous rural central Africa. [Our prior reporting on the outbreak began here.]
Here is the latest, which is in fact a week stale, from WHO first responders, on the ground, in Uganda -- and now Kenya:
. . . .Contact tracing and active case search is ongoing in Kween in Kapchorwa district in Uganda, as well as in Kitale district and West Pokot in Kenya. On 4 November a high risk contact of the second confirmed case, a health care worker in Kween developed symptoms and was admitted to the treatment facility in Kween. Additionally, one close contact of the second confirmed case has been reported to have travelled to Kampala. The Kampala City Authority has sent a team to the village she is reported to be visiting to trace this contact and continue 21 days follow-up. . . .
[Earlier reporting. . .] Contact tracing and follow-up activities have been initiated. As of 23 October, 155 contacts including 66 who had contact with the first case and 89 who had contact with the second case. . . have been listed in the two affected districts,including 44 health care workers. The number of family and community contacts is still being investigated. . . .
These outbreaks are particularly vexing, as they represent a near 100 per cent lethal threat -- and no vaccine candidate yet exists for Marburg virus. That must change, and change immediately. Now you know -- and I'm back from the near dead (or at least the desert southwest), myself. . . smile.
नमस्ते
