Description of the situation
23 October 2000
Disease Outbreak Reported
As of 23 October, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has reported 160 cases, including 55 deaths.
Reporting and distribution of cases
The increase in cases reflects transmission of the disease as it occurred about 8-10 days
earlier. As the incubation period is 2 to 21 days, monitoring of the disease for new cases
is more accurate when carried out over time rather than day by day. Since Ebola
haemorrhagic fever outbreaks usually originate from a single source, cases tend to come in
waves: exposure through direct contact, incubation period and then illness.
Case finding is continuing in Gulu district. The
operational task force is also intensifying its efforts to trace contacts and monitor
these people.
Adequate supplies in Gulu district
The additional 1 370 kg of protective equipment sent by WHO arrived in Gulu district on 23
October. This equipment is adequate to meet the needs of the initial phase of the
response.