Funds Sent To: - Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Uganda

Amount Sent: - USD 35,500

Date: - 6 December 2010

An unidentified deadly disease broke out in Abim, located in the Karamoja region, in northeastern Uganda in late October 2010. Several cases of the disease were reported and several deaths have resulted. The disease then spread from Karamoja to neighboring districts. On December 1, some cases were also reported in Gulu. To date 80 deaths have been reported from north and northeast Uganda.

The signs and symptoms of the disease indicate that it is most likely not dysentery, as it has been thought to be in the absence of a clear diagnosis. Symptoms point to Ebola but authorities have been unable to confirm this. The most common symptoms are headache, fever and vomiting large quantities of black blood. Tests have been done in Entebbe (Uganda) and in Atlanta (USA). Several other diseases are under investigation, including Lassa, Marburg, Rift Valley Fever, Bubonic Plague, Kala Azar - but so far no definite diagnosis has been possible. Ebola and Bubonic Plague are the two most often mentioned at the moment, but until there is a confirmed diagnosis we are unable to state the disease.

Unequipped medical staffs are fearful of being infected, leaving their duty stations because they lack personal protective gear. Staffs on leave have made themselves unavailable so as not to be called in for duty. Kitgum district lacks transport, including ambulances to transport patients. Pader district had one ambulance which no longer functions. People refuse to transport patients for fear of being infected. In villages, residents do not know what to do or how to protect themselves. Some have tried to move out of affected areas, potentially spreading the diseases to new areas. The spread is fairly slow but follows common "travel routes" throughout the region.

The number of affected people is unknown. There are several deaths that have not yet been investigated. In Kitgum and Agago there are 47 confirmed cases and 17 confirmed deaths (36% death rate). However, there are many more cases and deaths that are unreported, still being investigated or reported but not confirmed to be this disease. The first six fatalities in Kitgum were one woman, three men, and two male youths. None had any serious previous medical history. Death usually occurred within three days of the first symptoms. (Sources: Dr. Alex Layoo, Medical Superintendent Kitgum Government Hospital, World Health Organisation, Medicin Sans Frontiers, Uganda Ministry of Health, and Agago District Local Government)