Mubende Hospital implements stringent measures to contain RVF outbreak

UGANDA—Mubende Regional Referral Hospital has officially confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the region.

 This confirmation comes following the receipt of test results from the Central Emergency Response and Surveillance Laboratory, which confirmed RVF in a patient under hospital care.

The hospital director’s internal memo underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for health workers to respond swiftly and effectively to contain the spread of the disease and ensure optimal care for affected patients.

The memo outlines specific case definitions for suspected, probable, and confirmed RVF cases, stressing the importance of prompt identification and reporting.

In response to the outbreak, Mubende Regional Referral Hospital has activated its emergency response protocols in collaboration with the Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, the District Local Government, and teams from Baylor Uganda.

Enhanced surveillance and extensive field investigations are currently underway to effectively contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

To minimize the risk of secondary infections, the hospital has implemented stringent infection prevention and control measures.

These include mandatory use of personal protective equipment by healthcare staff, rigorous adherence to hand hygiene protocols, and thorough environmental cleaning procedures.

Isolation protocols have been established for suspected and confirmed RVF cases within the hospital premises to prevent nosocomial transmission.

Healthcare workers are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any cases presenting symptoms consistent with RVF, particularly those with a history of contact with livestock or recent mosquito bites.

The hospital has provided contact details for the Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and designated surveillance officers to facilitate rapid communication and coordinated response efforts.

RVF is a viral zoonosis that affects both animals and humans. It is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites or contact with infected animals’ blood, body fluids, or organs.

 In humans, symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to severe hemorrhagic fever.

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