Rift Valley fever: Uganda reports fatal case in Obongi district

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

In late November, Uganda health authorities notified the World Health Organization of a fatal Rift Valley fever (RVF) case from Obongi district.

The case was a 35-year-old man from South Sudan who was living in Palorinya Refugee camp in Obongi district, Uganda. The case had travel history to South Sudan between 12 and 19 November 2019 to harvest cassava.

While in his home country, he developed fever and other symptoms and was treated for malaria; however, his condition got worse.

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He later returned to the refugee camp in Uganda and his symptoms progressed and he was hospitalized. Viral hemorrhagic fever was suspected.

Samples were collected and sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute; however, the patient died.

A safe and dignified burial was performed on 22 November 2019. As of 24 November, a total of 19 contacts were recorded during the active case search including 10 healthcare workers.