More Ebola cases reported in outbreak in Luwero, Uganda (update)

Following the previously reported deaths of the motor bicycle driver and 2 other family members, there are new reports of 2 more deaths and 2 more confirmed cases in Luwero, about 40 miles north of the capital Kampala. There are 11 suspected patients, including two children, being treated. At least 40 people from the same village are being watched for any signs of illness since they came into contact with the dead or hospitalised people.

Any traveller in this area should avoid any direct contact with anyone suspected to have this infection since it is highly contagious and lethal. Transmission often occurs during burial rituals (such as washing the body) for deceased patients, close physical contact with infected persons and their body fluids, during sexual contact or within hospitals through contact with blood and body fluids of infected persons.