Uganda's president is urging people to avoid physical contact because of an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.

The highly-contagious virus has killed at least 14 people in western Uganda. Authorities say there are at least 20 confirmed cases in the Kibaale district.

During a state broadcast Monday, President Yoweri Museveni called on the public to report all suspected Ebola cases and to let medical workers handle them.

Mr. Museveni noted Ebola is spread through bodily fluids and asked Ugandas to limit contact, even hand-shaking.

“We discourage the shaking of hands because that can cause contact through sweat, which can cause problems. And when people are sick in hospitals, from symptoms which look like Ebola, they should be handled by medical workers with protective gear.”

The president said health workers are currently trying to track down all suspected Ebola cases and the people who may have made contact with them.

This is the fourth outbreak of Ebola in Uganda in recent years. The biggest outbreak in 2000 killed almost 200 people.