Ebola Strikes Uganda Again, Ministry of Health Confirms 8th Outbreak
Kampala, Uganda – Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala, marking the 8th Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
The confirmation comes after laboratory tests from three national reference laboratories returned positive results.
According to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, the index case is a 32-year-old male nurse who worked at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The nurse initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities in Kampala and Mbale, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. He also consulted a traditional healer.
Unfortunately, the nurse succumbed to the illness on January 29, 2025, at Mulago National Referral Hospital and the Post-mortem samples confirmed that he had Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.
The Ministry of Health has swiftly activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak.
Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital, where suspected cases have been identified.
Over 40 people who came into contact with the deceased nurse are being monitored.
The public has been urged to remain calm and adhere to preventive measures, including maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding direct contact with suspected Ebola patients or their belongings, and seeking immediate medical attention for any flu-like symptoms.
