Outbreak of Unidentified Illness in Northern Uganda

Warden Message - November 30, 2010

 Ugandan press are reporting an outbreak of an unknown severe illness in three districts of Northern Uganda, characterized by fever, vomiting and diarrhea.  The districts identified as being affected are: Abim (specifically Morulem sub-county), Agago (Omiya P’Chua, Adilang and Paimoi sub-counties) and Kitgum (Orum, Namokora and Kitgum Town Council).

While we are seeking to confirm these details, the U.S. Mission in Kampala and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) office in Uganda recommend U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Uganda minimize their travel to these affected areas until further information becomes available.  Non-essential U.S. Government official travel to the three affected areas is presently restricted. 

The U.S. Embassy in Kampala also encourages U.S. citizens to enroll or update their information at the Department of State’s Travel Enrollment web site https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.  Please note that it is important during enrollment, or updating of information, to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency. 

The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road.  The phone number is (256) (414) 306-001 or (256) (414) 259-791, fax (256) (414) 258-451, email:  KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at:  http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays).