By Agnes Kiconco

KIU, Main Campus - A total of 16 people have contracted the highly contagious Ebola virus in Uganda while a further 18 people also likely had the disease.

Health officials confirmed that so far, four people have already died from the virus and the outbreak has now spread to three districts, all in central Uganda.

“The Ministry of Health Rapid Response Teams remain on the ground to list and follow up contacts to the confirmed cases,” the ministry said on Sunday, urging increased vigilance.  

"Cumulative cases: 34 (16 confirmed, 18 probable).  Cases reported outside Mubende: 3 in Kyegegwa and 1 in Kassanda. No confirmed cases in Kampala as yet. Cumulative deaths: 21 (4 confirmed, 17 probable)," tweeted the Ministry of Health.

The first outbreak was declared in the central district of Mubende around the beginning of September. The first casualty was a 24-year-old man who died last week.

Ebola is a haemorrhagic fever whose symptoms include intense body weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes among others.