Ebola Outbreak in Uganda Ended: Nation Confirms Following Nurse's Death on January 30 and Subsequent Testing Positive for Ebola Virus.
Uganda's health authorities rejoiced the conclusion of the most recent Ebola outbreak, three months following the initial cases spotted in Kampala.
The Ministry of Health reported the triumphant news via their official channel, hailing it as great news and affirming that 42 days had elapsed since the last patient was discharged without reporting a new infection.
Suggested Reads
"It's excellent news for Uganda as we successfully contained the Sudan Ebola outbreak. A total of 14 cases, 12 confirmed and two probable, were detected during this period, resulting in four unfortunate deaths. However, ten patients managed to recover from the infection," the World Health Organization (WHO) exemplified in a press statement.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's chief, commended the Ugandan Health Ministry for their "outstanding leadership and commitment" in halting the outbreak. "Bravo to the government and health workers of #Uganda on ending the #Ebola outbreak," he enthusiastically posted on social media.
Uganda is known to witness regular Ebola infections due to its abundant tropical forests, which serve as the virus's natural reservoirs.
The recent outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, emerged on January 30, 2025, when a male nurse contracted the virus and subsequently died. To this date, no approved vaccine is available for this strain.
Uganda has suffered eight previous outbreaks since it first reported an Ebola case in 2000.
Boarding neighboring DR Congo, a nation Enduring more than a dozen outbreaks, including one from 2018 to 2020 that resulted in nearly 2,300 fatalities, Uganda remains highly susceptible to the virus's further spread.
The outbreak initially surfaced in Kampala, a bustling city of 4 million people and a vital transit link between Eastern DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Health officials attribute Uganda's success in rapidly managing the outbreak to the country's accumulated experience in wrestling with the disease over the years.
Ebola is contagious via contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues, and its signs include a severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting blood, and internal bleeding.
Sign-Up for Al Jazeera
Breaking News Alert Privacy PolicyreCAPTCHA
Additional Information:
- The outbreak was caused by the Sudan strain of Ebola virus disease, which is both severe and typically fatal. As of now, there is no available approved vaccine for this strain.
- The first case was identified in Kampala, specifically at Mulago National Referral Hospital in a 32-year-old nurse who ended up losing the battle against the disease.
- Seventeen cases were reported throughout the outbreak, with twelve of them confirmed and two probable cases. Tragically, four fatalities occurred, with two confirmed and two probable deaths. However, ten patients successfully recovered.
- The WHO, along with other international partners, supported Uganda's health authorities in executing response measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, and treatment unit establishment.
- After a 42-day mandatory countdown without any new confirmed cases, the outbreak was officially declared over. Surveillance efforts are still ongoing to ensure future outbreaks are averted, with support from WHO and partners. Recovered patients are receiving psychosocial support and other recovery services through a survivor care program.
- The Ministry of Health in Uganda announced that they have successfully ended the latest Ebola outbreak, marking a significant milestone in managing medical-conditions related to health and wellness.
- The outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, had resulted in nearly 17 cases, with 12 confirmed and two probable, causing four unfortunate deaths.
- Despite the success in stopping the Ebola outbreak, Uganda remains highly susceptible to further spread of the virus, such as that seen in bordering DR Congo where more than a dozen outbreaks have been endured.
- The recent outbreak initially surfaced in Kampala, causing concern due to its status as a bustling city and vital transit link between several countries.
- Although no available approved vaccine exists for the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, Uganda's medical-conditions response relied on garnered experience and support from international partners like the World Health Organization in executing key measures like case investigation, contact tracing, and treatment unit establishment.
