In a follow-up to a report last week, during a news conference today in Kampala, Uganda, Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng reported additional cases of the serious viral infections in the country.

“Since Aug. 2017, when suspected cases were reported, four cases of the Crimean- Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) have been confirmed and five cases of the Rift Valley Fever (RVF). Unfortunately, we have lost 3 cases of the RVF from Kiboga, Buikwe and Mityana districts.

“The latest cases were reported on Jan. 19.”

Aceng said the spraying for ticks and insects is ongoing in selected districts in the cattle corridor.

This follows reports earlier this month when The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine advised the public to ignore the announcement of the disease caused by a tick-borne virus.

Doctors under the Uganda Medical Association accused the Ministry of Health of failing to handle the Crimean- Congo Hemorrhagic fever in Nakaseke district and putting the lives of health workers at risk.

NTV Uganda asked it’s Twitter followers to share their views on the government’s handling of the outbreak of the Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, and here is a sample of the responses:

The government has to stop confusing Ugandans by having divergent analysis of the outbreak with the ministry saying something different from the doctors.

I think gov’t’s handling of the out break was irresponsible. Whereas I understand the immense pressure they be on with the fear of scaring away tourists, the life of Ugandans and health workers should come first.

and

I love the fact that outbreak was discovered after Dr Diana had ensured the public that there wasn’t any scare to the country. I urge the health officers to stop confusing the public

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