CDC helps Uganda contain Ebola

Nation & World News

As the number of Ebola cases in Uganda continues to rise, scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have arrived from Atlanta to help contain the deadly virus.

CDC disease detectives from Atlanta are helping the Ugandan health ministry and medical relief organizations track and monitor the family and friends of those sickened with Ebola. At the health compound in the outbreak zone of Bundibugyo, Dr. Eileen Farnon, a CDC epidemiologist, talks with CDC colleagues Ann Schmitz, Adam McNeil and Dr. Phil Gould.

The outbreak area where CDC staff are working is in a remote part of western Uganda, reachable by small aircraft.

Health care workers in Bundibugyo wear tall rubber boots -- that can be sprayed with disinfectant -- when working closely with Ebola patients or coming into contact with infected materials.

Because Ebola is spread through contact with infected body fluids, health care workers in Bundibugyo, Uganda, cover themselves in layers of protective gowns. Those working with patients in the field generally wear surgical scrubs, covered by a protective gown, an apron, two pairs of gloves, a head covering, eyewear and rubber boots.

A CDC health educator is assisting local officials in Uganda in spreading information about how people can avoid catching Ebola. Because of the fear that comes with the disease, health officials said they are working to separate fact from rumor. Here, a sign at the isolation ward in Bundibugyo details precautions.

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CDC disease detectives from Atlanta are helping the Ugandan health ministry and medical relief organizations track and monitor the family and friends of those sickened with Ebola. At the health compound in the outbreak zone of Bundibugyo, Dr. Eileen Farnon, a CDC epidemiologist, talks with CDC colleagues Ann Schmitz, Adam McNeil and Dr. Phil Gould.

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