By: Melanie Aanyu

The number of confirmed and suspected Ebola deaths has increased to eight and health workers have listed at least 43 contacts of the victims, according to the latest government update.

In a situation report issued yesterday, the Ministry of Health revealed that 11 suspected cases have been isolated at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, the facility where the confirmed index fatality and probable victims who died, received treatment.

Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the spokesperson of the Health ministry, said that contact tracing is ongoing to curb transmission.

On Wednesday, another person, a one-year-old baby, died at Mubende hospital after presenting Ebola-like symptoms.

Asked about the preparedness to handle increasing cases, Mr Ainebyoona said they have an isolation unit already constructed at Mulago National Referral Hospital in addition to another in Entebbe.

Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the acting executive director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, yesterday said the facility is on high alert and ready to handle cases.