Uganda has no active Ebola cases after discharging it’s last patient from Mulago National Referral Hospital, but must complete a 42-day surveillance period before the outbreak is officially declared over.
The country recorded 20 cases, 2 deaths and 18 recoveries. Health officials used testing, isolation and contact tracing to control the transmission.Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyona announced the development on Thursday, describing it as a major victory for the country.
” Today is a great day. I am pleased to announce that we have just discharged our last patient of the Ebola case. I can now confirm that we have no active Ebola cases.” said Ainebyona
” We shall remain vigilant. What now remains is for us to wait for the 42 days before World Health Organization (WHO) can fully clear us. We have started the countdown. But that is all a formality. The situation is under control. “
Uganda has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the past two decades, giving the country valuable experience in managing the deadly disease. Previous outbreaks have occured in districts of Mubende, Kassanda, Bundibugyo, Kibaale, and Kasese among others. The 2022 Susan Ebola virus Disease outbreak claimed more than 50 lives before it was officially declared over in January 2023 after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case. The country’s experience has helped strengthen laboratory testing capacity, emergency response teams, and country engagement strategies that were instrumental in controlling the latest outbreak.
Health officials have cautioned that being declared Ebola-free does not mean the risk has disappeared completely. Uganda remains vulnerable to future outbreaks because Ebola is a zoonotic disease that spreads from infected wildlife to humans. Authorities have urged health favorites and public to remain vigilant, maintain surveillance systems, and report any suspected cases immediately. Experts also encourage the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid contact with sick wildlife, and seek medical attention promptly if Ebola-like symptoms develop.
Health teams will continue investigating suspected cases, testing samples and monitoring border districts during the countdown period.
