Oakwood Pharmacy Gulu

Ebola Alert. A new outbreak in DRC Congo.

Useful INFO.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
PRESS STATEMENT ON MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE
Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng
Minister of Health
October 19, 2017

PRESS STATEMENT ON MARBURG HEMORRHAGIC FEVER

The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that there is a confirmed case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the country. This followed laboratory tests conducted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) which confirmed that one person had died of Marburg Virus Disease, a type of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF) on 17th October 2017.
As at 19th October, 2017, only one case had been confirmed. The confirmed case was a 50-year-old female from Chemuron village, Moyok Parish, Moyok sub county, Kween District in Eastern Uganda. She presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of a Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) and unfortunately passed on during the night of October 11, 2017 at Kapchorwa Hospital, having been referred from Kaproron Health Center IV in Kween district.
Preliminary field investigations indicated that prior to her death; the deceased had nursed her 42-year-old brother, who had died on September 25, 2017 with similar signs and symptoms. She had also closely participated in the cultural preparation of the body for burial. The deceased’s brother was reported to be a hunter who carried out his activities where there are caves with heavy presence of bats. However, no samples were taken off his body prior to his death.
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is caused by the Marburg virus, a rare but severe type of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever which affects both humans and non-human primates like monkeys, baboons. The reservoir host of Marburg virus is the African fruit bat. Fruit bats infected with Marburg virus do not show obvious signs of illness. Primates (including humans) are vulnerable to contracting the Marburg virus, which is known to have a very high mortality.
In Marburg outbreaks, the first person normally gets infected through contact with infected bats or animals (normally monkeys/baboons). Once the first person (Index case) gets infected with the Marburg Virus, human to human transmission of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) then occurs through contact with the body fluids (blood, vomitus, Urine, f***s, etc) of already infected persons. Close contacts to already infected persons (like close family members of already infected persons) and health workers are particularly at increased risk of getting infected with the Marburg virus.
A person suffering from Marburg presents with sudden onset of high-grade fever accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
1. Headache
2. Vomiting blood
3. Joint and muscle pains
4. Unexplained bleeding through the body openings including the eyes, nose, gums, ears, a**s and the skin.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Marburg for now, but patients are given supportive treatment which supports the natural recovery process of the body and this improves tremendously the patient’s survival chances. However, treatment outcomes are better for those who seek care early.
To mitigate the current threat of Marburg Virus Disease, the Ministry of Health is undertaking the following measures to control the spread of the disease:

1) Ministry of Health has deployed a Rapid Response Team comprising of highly experienced Epidemiologists, Risk Communication experts, Case Management,
Infection Control and Prevention experts, ecological environmental experts, Laboratory specialists, among others to Kween and Kapchorwa districts. The team will support District Rapid Response Teams to investigate and assess the magnitude of the threat and to institute appropriate control measures to avert the Marburg Virus Disease threat.

2) An isolation ward at the Kapchorwa District Hospital and Kaproron Health Center IV in Kween District have been established to handle cases.

3) Preparations are underway to train all health workers, particularly from Kapchorwa Hospital, and Kaproron Health Centre IV on VHF Infection Prevention and Control. Infection Prevention and Control measures have been heightened in all health facilities in Kapchorwa and Kween districts.

4) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) and other supplies have been mobilized to support response in the affected facilities.

5) The National Medical Stores is delivering emergency supplies to the affected health facilities.

6) Increased sensitization in affected communities and among health-care providers on the clinical symptoms of patients with Marburg Virus Disease.
Marburg Virus Disease has the potential to spread over wide areas affecting many people especially health workers and family members nursing Marburg Viral Disease patients.

The Ministry of Health therefore appeals to the general public to remain alert and observe the following precautions to control the spread of the Marburg virus:
a) Report any suspected patient immediately to a nearby health facility.
b) Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting with bleeding tendencies or symptoms suggestive of Marburg virus disease.
c) Health workers are further reminded to wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of ill patients or suspected cases.
d) Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
e) Avoid contact with persons who have died from the disease.
f) Allow health workers perform dignified burials among victims who might have succumbed to the disease, so as to minimise its spread to others.
The Ministry of Health calls upon the general public to remain calm but be on alert amidst this epidemic. You can report all suspected cases via the Ministry of Health hotline on 0800100066.
For God and My Country
Hon. Dr.Jane Ruth Aceng

You need any medics from Kampala? Contact us at [email protected] and we shall deliver. Yes, we ensure the cold chain!!!!

Press Release from MoH. No Ebola in UG.

hello customers.... in case you are not feeling well, or need vaccination and travel documents (i.e. yellow fever international certificate) we are open and can attend all your needs. Or else email: [email protected] and the Dr. will respond.

Happy Labour Day to all.

Please see the Press Release by Ministry of Health on Avian Influenza (commonly known as Bird Flu). Kindly share, adopt precautions and spread the word..

Happy New Year to all our customers. We wish you all a very healthy 2017. Thanks for the continuous support.

Rest in Peace our dear customer and friend Kenneth. Condolences to the entire Watmon family. Body of Akena will be in Gulu today at 3:30pm sharp in Holy Rosary for 30minutes before heading to Kitgum. All invited to greet him off.

Several have been asking the cost of yellow fever vaccination. It is 115,000UGX per jab, add 5,000 and you will be given the international vaccination card for travels. We are the only ones in Gulu certified to issue these. Gt your shot if you haven't done yet prevention is better than cure, stay safe.

We are open every day from 8:00am to 8:00pm. In case of special requests jot us an email: [email protected]. We maintain the cold chain straight from Kampala to Gulu and we can order for you pretty much everything....

have you got tested and vaccinated for Hep B? Why not get sorted? here we are!

some health related information of interest from our areas..... stay safe.

Plague – Uganda
outbreak of Plague reported in Arua district, Logiri sub-county, Lazebu parish - about 28 cases have been reported with 6 deaths - cases of infections are increasing, the Ministry of Health has been notified and team has been sent on ground, Red Cross in the field to support assessment

Rift Valley Fever - Uganda
another confirmed Rift valley fever (RVF) in case in Kabale district. The case was confirmed on 9/6/2016 by Uganda virus research institute (UVRI). At the moment the patient is admitted in Kabale Regional referral hospital receiving supportive treatment. Ministry of health emergency team preparing a team of epidemiologists, clinician and Entomologist to join the Kabale team. Kabale had two confirmed cases of RVF three months ago and all the cases improved on supportive treatment. ….

South Sudan
a) mysterious Ebola-like illness (tested, NOT Ebola)

South Sudan has been reeling from civil war, widespread hunger, and desperate poverty. The last thing the world’s newest nation needs is a deadly mystery disease. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it’s got. At least 10 people have died so far from the disease, which has symptoms that include bleeding, fever and vomiting. These effects are similar to Ebola, but tests show that it’s not, leaving medical workers perplexed.
IRIN- http://www.irinnews.org/news/2016/06/09/south-sudan-hit-mysterious-ebola-illness?utm_source=IRIN+-+the+inside+story+on+emergencies&utm_campaign=698cf38852-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_ENGLISH_AFRICA&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d842d98289-698cf38852-29253221

b) Haemorrhagic fever syndrome (Onyong-nyong; Chikungunya; Dengue)

Between late December 2015 and early May 2016, the National IHR Focal of South Sudan notified WHO of an outbreak of haemorrhagic fever syndrome.
As of 9 May, a total of 51 suspected cases, including 10 deaths, had been reported from the counties of Aweil North (45 cases, including 10 deaths) and Aweil West (6 cases). No health care workers had been reported among the cases. The majority (74.5%) of the suspected cases are below 20 years of age. The last recorded death dates back to 28 February. The most frequent symptoms include unexplained bleeding, fever, fatigue, headache and vomiting. The symptoms do not seem to be severe and rapidly resolve following supportive treatment. Currently, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the disease.
Samples of 33 patients were shipped to WHO collaborating centres in Uganda (Uganda Virus Research Institute), Senegal (Institut Pasteur of Dakar) and South Africa (National Institute for Communicable Diseases). The samples were tested by plaque reduction neutralization test, polymerase chain reaction or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All samples were negative for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, West Nile virus and Zika virus; 5 samples tested positive for Onyong-nyong virus; 3 samples were positive for Chikungunya; and 1 sample tested positive for Dengue virus.
Further laboratory testing is ongoing that may confirm the causative agent. Other causes under investigation include bacterial diseases (e.g., Leptospirosis) and food intoxication (mycotoxines). Ecological risk factors for arboviral disease transmission were identified in the affected areas.

Public health response
With support from WHO, national authorities have conducted a number of public health activities, including investigating and managing all newly reported suspected cases, strengthening infection prevention and control as well as improving disease surveillance. Furthermore, community meetings have been conducted to raise people’s awareness of haemorrhagic fever. Finally, in response to a request from the WHO Country Office, laboratory supplies have been mobilized by the WHO Regional Office for Africa.

WHO risk assessment
The laboratory results received so far do not explain the symptomatology (unexplained bleeding) of the reported cases nor the high mortality rate. Since the underlying cause of this public health event remains unknown, close monitoring and further epidemiological investigation is needed.
The area where the outbreak is occurring borders Darfur in Sudan where at least 469 cases of undiagnosed viral haemorrhagic fever, including 120 deaths, were reported between August and November 2015. Because of frequent population cross-border movement between Sudan and South Sudan, the risk of international spread of the disease cannot be ruled out. WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and conduct risk assessments based on the latest available information.

WHO advice
WHO does not recommend any restriction of travel and trade to South Sudan based on the information available.

South Sudan hit by mysterious Ebola-like illness It looks like Ebola. Thankfully, it's not. Researchers are trying to solve a mystery disease that has them stumped so far.

In case you need medics Oakwood is available, also anti-malaria prevention. You do not need to go to Kampala now, Oakwood can easily get them for you. We also do vaccinations (Hep., Yellow fever - we are also licensed to issue the international travels certificate :-), teta**s, anti-rabies etc. cold chain properly ensured). Contacts of Dr.Patricia for orders and fast delivery - email: [email protected]. stay well.

World Wide Yellow fever vaccine shortage - US scientists warn of a health security crisis, and are urging WHO to take steps... get your shot from Oakwood at 120,000 (cheapest in Gulu) and be safe.

REMINDER: for any special requests or private issues you con contact Dr.Pat directly at [email protected]...

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Travellers-to-present-yellow-fever-immunisation-cards-at-Entebbe/-/688334/3132926/-/n5h1hwz/-/index.html

Travellers to present yellow fever immunisation cards at Entebbe

Ministry of Health has confirmed a yellow fever outbreak in the forested areas of Masaka district.
According to a statement issued by the Director General of Health Services, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, a total of 13 probable cases of yellow fever were reported in Kasaka parish in Buwunga subcounty and 5 of them tested positive for the disease.
Dr Stuart Musisi the Masaka district health officer, says 7 people have been confirmed dead including the first 3 deaths which occurred at the initial stages of investigation where people were suspecting Ebola. He said after a second test, some patients were recently discharged from Masaka hospital but they are planning to bring them back to Masaka hospital because they might pose a danger to the community.
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever but the symptoms can be treated and managed while the body's immunity fights the infection.
At a press conference held at the Masaka district headquarters, the health educator at the Ministry of Health, Dr Samuel Ahimbisibwe urged the public to use mosquito nets and cover themselves with clothes to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes because the mosquitoes which transmit yellow fever are more active during day.
Dr Musisi says people who encroached in the forests in the affected area are the most affected. He adds that the disease is also spreading to the forested areas in the subcounties of Kyesiiga, Kyanamukaka and some suspected deaths have been reported in the sub-county of Bukakata.

We have the vaccines in OAKWOOD. Get yours at 80k and your safe for 10 Years.

Health ministry confirms yellow fever outbreak in Masaka | NTV A total of 13 probable cases of yellow fever were reported in Kasaka parish in Buwunga subcounty and 5 of them tested positive for the disease.

We can provide you these in Gulu. No need to travel to KLA to get both the yellow fever shot and the international immunization certificate...

just in case we have plenty in stock

Gulu hit by anti-malaria drugs shortage

Message to our customers who have a Barclays account... take note...

Barclays exiting Uganda

...more on ZIKA

Zika virus: pesticides are not a long-term solution says leading entomologist Spraying pesticides in landscapes is a quick fix and will fail to stop the epidemic that has now been declared a public health emergency

Zika virus: What you need to know about the latest global health scare You may not have heard of it until very recently, but new cases of the Zika virus continue to pop up around the world. Spreading mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean, the virus has now been confirmed in three travelers from the UK.

we are open today in case you need medecines

HNY to all....

Merry Christmas to all, thank you for your continuous support.

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Museveni-to-turn-Mbale-hospital-a-cancer-centre/-/688334/2994026/-/13ksywn/-/index.html

Museveni to turn Mbale hospital a cancer centre

do you have a special order of medicines that you don't commonly find in the north? No need to go to Kampala anymore... just jot an email at [email protected] or give us a buzz and we can deliver it within 24hours...

Just in case you are not feeling well... we are open!!!