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One dead as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak in Kampala

An anti-Ebola advocacy van drives along Kyadondo road amid the Ebola outbreak and alert in Kampala, Uganda October 27, 2022. (Photo/Abubaker Lubowa)

Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s Ministry of Health Thursday confirmed the death of one individual as it confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) in the country’s capital, Kampala.

The Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine announced this during a Thursday press briefing, after laboratory tests conducted at three national reference laboratories all returned positive.

“The confirmed case, designated as the index case, is a 32-year-old male nurse, an employee of Mulago National Referral Hospital who initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga in Wakiso District, and MbaleRegional Referral Hospital in Mbale City, as well as from a traditional healer” Dr Atwine stated.

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“The patient presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, which later progressed to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites,” she added.

Subsequently, the patient experienced multi-organ failure and succumbed to the illness at Mulago National Referral Hospital on 29th January 2025. Post-mortem samples confirmed Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.

In the aftermath of the outbreak, Dr Atwine said health authorities have swiftly activated emergency response measures, including the deployment of Rapid Response Teams to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, where suspected cases have been identified.

“At least 44 contacts have been listed so far, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago National Referral Hospital, 11 family members of the deceased case, and four health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital,” she said.

“The deceased will be accorded a safe and dignified burial to prevent further spread of the disease,” Dr. Atwine added, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to containment efforts.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine addresses the press in Kampala on January 30, 2025. Photo / Via @MinofHealthUG

Additionally, Dr Atwine said a targeted vaccination campaign for all contacts of the deceased is set to begin immediately. This comes as health officials work to trace and monitor all potential exposures to prevent further transmission.

Authorities have assured the public that vaccination against Ebola Sudan is set to commence immediately, targeting contacts of the deceased to contain the spread of the virus, and urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures.

“The Ministry of Health would like to reassure the public that we are in full control of the situation and continue to safeguard and guard the lives of all people in #Uganda. Please report any suspected case of Ebola to our toll-free line, 0800-100-066 or the nearest health facility,” Dr Awtine noted.

This is Uganda’s seventh Sudan virus outbreak. The last outbreak ended on January 11, 2023, after causing 164 infections and 55 confirmed deaths. Since the first outbreak in 2000, Uganda has reported 325 cases and 224 deaths linked to the virus.

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