KAMPALA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Ministry of Health on Wednesday said there are no confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease, following a public health alert issued by the U.S. Embassy warning of a suspected outbreak in the western part of the country.
Speaking to Xinhua by telephone, ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona said health authorities were not aware of any confirmed Marburg infections.
Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Uganda issued a public health alert, saying it had received reports of a suspected Marburg virus disease outbreak in western Uganda.
As of Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Health has not issued any official statement confirming a Marburg outbreak.
Uganda has experienced several Marburg virus disease outbreaks in the past. The disease is a highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus in the same family as Ebola.
Following repeated outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg in recent years, Uganda has strengthened its disease surveillance and rapid response systems, with health authorities maintaining close monitoring for emerging public health threats.
According to the World Health Organization, Marburg virus disease is a severe illness with a high fatality rate if not detected and treated promptly. Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain and fatigue, which can progress to hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases.
Health authorities have urged the public to rely on official information regarding suspected disease outbreaks. ■
