Kampala, Uganda: The Ministry of Health has confirmed six new Ebola cases in Uganda, all involving Congolese nationals who had already been identified and placed under monitoring as contacts of previously confirmed patients.
The latest infections were detected through ongoing surveillance and contact-tracing efforts as health authorities intensify measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
According to the Ministry of Health, the six individuals were already under follow-up after being identified as contacts linked to confirmed Ebola cases. Their diagnosis, officials say, demonstrates the effectiveness of Uganda’s contact-tracing system in identifying infections early and limiting transmission.
Health authorities confirmed that all six patients were promptly isolated and are currently receiving treatment under established Ebola management protocols.
The ministry further revealed that 668 contacts are currently being monitored across the country as part of the outbreak response.
The latest update brings renewed attention to Uganda’s Ebola surveillance efforts following the confirmation of the outbreak, which has so far claimed one life. Health officials also reported that two patients have recovered and been discharged from treatment.
The development comes amid heightened vigilance along Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where authorities have strengthened screening, surveillance and cross-border coordination.
Health officials say monitoring teams remain active in communities and at border points to ensure that any suspected cases are quickly identified and isolated.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that the six newly confirmed cases were detected among known contacts and not through community transmission.
Officials say this is an important indicator that surveillance teams are effectively tracking individuals considered to be at risk of infection.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Uganda has extensive experience managing Ebola outbreaks and has activated emergency response mechanisms, including rapid response teams, treatment centres and nationwide contact-tracing networks.
The Ministry of Health has urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, report suspected cases immediately and avoid direct contact with individuals displaying symptoms associated with Ebola.
Authorities also encouraged communities to continue observing public health guidance and cooperate with surveillance teams conducting contact tracing and monitoring activities.
Government says efforts to trace contacts, monitor high-risk individuals and contain the outbreak remain ongoing as health authorities work to prevent further transmission and bring the situation under control.
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