An Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital.
The Ministry of Health announced the alarming development on Thursday after three National Reference Laboratories returned positive tests for Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV).
The Index Case: A Nurse on the Frontlines
The first confirmed case—known as the index case—is a 32-year-old male nurse employed at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
His symptoms started subtly with fever-like signs but quickly escalated.
Seeking help, he visited multiple healthcare facilities: Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga (Wakiso District), Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City, and even consulted a traditional healer.
Over five harrowing days, his condition worsened, presenting with high fever, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and eventually, unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites—a hallmark of advanced Ebola infection.
Related: Entry Requirements for Your Adventure to Uganda
Swift Government Response
“Our rapid response teams are fully deployed, contact tracing is underway, and all necessary measures are in place to contain the situation. We assure the public that we are in full control,” said Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
Key containment strategies include:
- Rapid Response Deployment: Teams are actively identifying and monitoring contacts.
- Healthcare Facility Monitoring: Enhanced surveillance at hospitals where the index case sought treatment.
- Community Engagement: Informing the public about symptoms and prevention measures.
Uganda’s History with Ebola
This marks the 7th outbreak of the Sudan strain in Uganda.
The last epidemic, which ended on January 11, 2023, saw 164 confirmed and probable cases with 55 deaths.
Historically, Uganda has battled six previous Ebola outbreaks, dating back to the first in 2000, which claimed 224 lives out of 325 recorded cases.
According to the paper Sudan Ebola virus (SUDV) outbreak in Uganda, 2022: Lessons Learnt and Future Priorities for Sub-Saharan Africa by Dr. Ambrose Talisuna et al., prior outbreaks have significantly shaped Uganda’s emergency response protocols.
However, the rapid urban spread seen in Kampala adds a new layer of complexity.
What You Can Do Now
If you are in Uganda or planning to travel:
1. Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Ministry of Health.
2. Recognize Symptoms: High fever, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and unexplained bleeding.
3. Seek Medical Help Promptly: If symptomatic, visit a healthcare facility immediately.
4. Avoid High-Risk Areas: Minimize contact with affected individuals and healthcare settings treating Ebola cases.
Internal Resource: For more on managing your health when travelling to Uganda, read What Vaccinations Do You Need Before Travelling to Uganda?
Learn more about Ebola from the World Health Organization (WHO).
