By David Mafabi:
Uganda has been placed on high alert as the ministry of health investigates suspected cases of the deadly Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in the central districts of Kiboga and Nakaseke.
On August 20, the ministry received blood samples of two patients from Kiboga and Nakaseke hospital suspected to have contracted Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
According to a statement issued by the acting director General health services Dr Anthony Mbonye, the two victims tested positive for the haemorrhagic fever.
The Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever is a common disease among humans and animals caused by a tick-borne virus with a case fatality rate of 10–40%.
The virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter.
Some of the signs and symptoms of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever include muscle ache, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes and sensitivity to light, abdominal pain and sore throat early on, followed by sharp mood swings and confusion.
