Governor George Natembeya raises red flag over Ebola in Uganda

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

Governor George Natembeya has called on residents to be alert following outbreak of Ebola virus in neighbouring Uganda.

Ugandan authorities confirmed seven cases of the infected patients by Thursday since the first case was reported on September 11 in Mubende District with at least 43 people believed to have contracted the virus being tracked.

The disease symptoms include fever, tiredness, joint and muscle pains, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, body rash, unexplained bruising, bleeding and weight loss.

Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Turkana counties border Uganda and reports of the outbreak have sent shivers among many of the locals for fear that the disease could spread rapidly.

Natembeya has, however, assured residents that his administration has put up measures that will help avert chances of the disease spreading into the county, including increased disease surveillance and screening at border points.

He disclosed that rapid response teams have been reactivated at both the count and sub-county levels.