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Dr Mukuzi Muhereza, from the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), has warned action must be taken over reports of growing numbers of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases.

He warned the disease is “highly contagious” and said the people “must be protected” to prevent it spreading.

The infection causes victims to suffer from a burning fever before beginning to bleed from orifices including their eyes, anuses and mouths.

It comes amid a growing war of words between the UMA and Uganda’s health ministry, who have said there is no CCHF in the country – despite confirming a case.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officials label any outbreak of CCHF as a major threat to public health.

Dr Muhereza said: “There are a several cases that are suspected.

“We therefore state that one confirmed case of CCHF is an epidemic already.

“The government should activate emergency levels, it should activate epidemic levels.”

(Image: NTV) (Image: NTV)

The top doc added he was “disappointed” in how the outbreak had been handled by the health ministry – saying it was “very very unprofessional”.

He called on more protection for health workers and action to tackle the outbreak.

There were also fears of a similar disease taking hold in neighbouring South Sudan, but WHO has confirmed this has now been ruled out.

Ugandan health minster Sarah Opendi took to Twitter to issue a denial that there was any outbreak in her country.

She wrote: "The Ministry of Health always informs the public when there is an outbreak in the country.

"It is not true, as alleged, that the ministry is concealing an outbreak.”

(Image: NTV)

Health minister Opendi accused the UMA of “raising alarm” and “creating fear among the population”.

CCHF is spread to humans via tick bites or contact with raw meat and infected animal blood immediately after slaughter.

"CCHF outbreaks constitute a threat to public health services because of its epidemic potential, its high case fatality ratio (10-40%), its potential for nosocomial outbreaks and the difficulties in treatment and prevention,” WHO’s description of the virus reads.

(Image: GETTY)

Uganda Virus Research reportedly tested a nine-year-old boy positive with CCHF at Kihwoko Hospital – but he is said to be making a recovery.

Pictures emerged today of a girl, 9, in Uganda who allegedly died of CCHF.

She was removed from her home in a bodybag by medical officials in biohazard suits in the district Nakaseke.