Uganda (MNN) — Four government health workers are among the
dead in an outbreak of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus in Uganda.
According to government officials, because doctors and nurses did not know what they dealing
with at first, they failed to protect themselves.
The diagnosis issue further complicated the situation
because the Ebola subtype behind the outbreak is new, and the classic Ebola
symptoms are not always present.
The medical superintendent of World Vision's Kikyo Health
Center in the center of the outbreak
area also recently succumbed to the disease. According to the ministry, a World
Vision-sponsored child and her guardian in the Kisitu program area were also
killed by the disease.
World Vision is looking to the expertise provided by
Uganda's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO has
dispatched to the affected district a team of epidemiologists, including a
laboratory specialist and an infection-control expert.
The WVI Uganda office is working with the Ministry of
Health, providing antibiotics, painkillers, disinfectants, and re-hydration
materials. Along with a task force that monitors the developments, the
team also is helping to create awareness and sensitize local communities to
the outbreak through hourly radio clips that continue to air on two local radio
stations.
Please pray for World Vision staff members and the children
and families affected by this dangerous outbreak. Pray that they will continue
to be the hands and feet of Christ to others at this time. If you can help, click here .
