The Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of #coronavirus in Uganda. According to the Ministry’s press release, dated 31st March 2020, “the confirmed case is a 36-year-old Ugandan male who arrived from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airlines at 2:00 am”. The press release adds “during the screening on arrival, his temperature was 38.7. This prompted health teams to isolate him at the airport. Subsequent temperatures taken at intervals of 30 minutes and one hour remained the same. He was evacuated to Entebbe Grade B Hospital for further follow up where further tests were analyzed.”
As of today, Dubai is not one of the identified high-risk areas.
The confirmed case had traveled to Dubai on the 17thMarch 2020 on a business trip. And that at the time of his travel, he was in good health.
“To date, a total of 1,827 travelers including Ugandans back home have been identified from high-risk countries for purposes of follow up. About 827 are completing self-quarantine while about 1,000 are under quarantine”, the Ministry of Health release added.
The government of Uganda has taken good measures to protect the country from this pandemic. We must all remain vigilant and stop any non-critical travels. The implications of the pandemic in our country could be catastrophic owing to the level of our health sector and public readiness for such a pandemic.
We thank the Government for the continued vigilance and specifically for the courageous health workers at the frontlines along all national boarders who are doing all they can to anticipate and manage the threats. This is a national challenge.
If you are sick, there is no reason to join crowds. Self-isolate and follow the Ministry of Health recommendations.
For more updates on #covid19, follow this blog.
In case of any suspected covid-19 case, call the Ministry of Health hotlines on 0800 203 933 and 0800 100 066 or call Dr. Atek Kagirita on 0782 909 153 or Dr. Allan Muruta, 0772 460 297. Stay vigilant. Stay alive. Protect our country.
Copyright Mustapha B Mugisa, 2020. All rights reserved.
