The Uganda Virus Research Institute has stepped up its capacity to test suspected cases of the Corona Virus Disease(COVID-19). The Institute has investigated various suspected cases of Corona virus but all tests have been confirmed negative.
The Deputy Director of Uganda Virus Research Institute, Dr. Julius J. Lutwama, says the institute has the capacity to detect the virus and is working closely with the Ministry of Health to check suspected cases.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China, and has been detected to be spreading in some 40 other countries outside China. Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in China and those who have travelled to China. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure, for example health care workers and close contacts of people who are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. The Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the situation.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include: avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should: stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces e.g. doors.