The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) after a new respiratory virus strain, designated HRV-X1, has been confirmed in 40 countries — including three confirmed cases at Entebbe International Airport.
Uganda's Ministry of Health has activated Level 3 emergency protocols at all border points. "We are mobilising surveillance teams in every district," said Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine. "All hospitals have been placed on high alert."
The virus, first identified in Southeast Asia two weeks ago, causes severe respiratory distress and has a case fatality rate of 2.8% according to preliminary WHO data. Uganda's National Institute for Public Health has begun testing at Makerere University laboratories.
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