The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola virus disease in Uganda, urging the public to remain vigilant as authorities take swift measures to contain its spread.
Speaking at the ministry headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine reassured the public that the situation is under control and that efforts are underway to safeguard lives.
“We will work within our means and resources, using everything at our disposal to safeguard and protect Ugandans from these threats. Our duty is clear, and we have already taken action. I assure you, we are not panicking and will not panic—we will manage this situation. If necessary, we will even halt certain activities to ensure the safety of Ugandan lives. Whatever it takes, we will protect you,” noted the PS
This confirmation follows laboratory tests from three national reference laboratories, marking Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak.
Dr. Atwine revealed that the first confirmed case, or index case, was a 32-year-old male nurse who initially developed fever-like symptoms. He sought treatment at several health facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he worked.
“The patient, who later succumbed on January 29, had presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing. His condition worsened, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites,” Atwine said.
Although postmortem samples confirmed Sudan Ebola virus disease, Atwine stated that no other health worker or patient at Mulago Hospital has shown signs or symptoms of Ebola.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects. The virus can also spread from infected animals, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys, to humans.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has activated an incident management team, dispatched rapid response teams to Mbale City and Mulago Hospital, and isolated 45 identified contacts. Contact tracing efforts in Mbale are also ongoing.
“The Ministry is organizing a dignified burial for the deceased to prevent further spread and will immediately commence vaccination of all identified contacts,” Atwine confirmed.
Additionally, an epidemiological team has been deployed to activate regional emergency operation centers in Kampala and Mbale. The Ministry has urged health workers to maintain a high level of suspicion and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
Uganda has previously experienced seven outbreaks of the Sudan Ebola virus, with four occurring in Uganda and three in Sudan. The most recent outbreak was declared on September 20, 2022, in the Mubende District, leading to over 50 deaths.
Ebola disease typically begins with “dry” symptoms such as fever, aches, and fatigue before progressing to “wet” symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and advises the public to report any suspected cases immediately to health authorities.
