Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak Following Congolese National's Death

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has officially confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease. The confirmation follows the death of a 59-year-old patient from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Kampala.

The patient, who arrived in Uganda on May 11, presented with a range of severe symptoms including respiratory distress, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty urinating. His condition worsened in the intensive care unit, leading to bleeding symptoms before his death on May 14.

Health authorities received an alert from DRC officials on May 15 regarding a suspected Ebola case linked to the deceased. Subsequent testing of a sample collected during treatment confirmed the presence of the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease.

The Ministry stressed that this is an imported case and Uganda has not registered any local transmissions so far. In response, national emergency response mechanisms have been activated to contain the virus, with surveillance and rapid response teams deployed at border points, particularly along the western border, as well as major transit and pilgrimage routes.

Enhanced response operations are underway in high-risk districts, including a mobile laboratory at Bwera Hospital, strengthened isolation facilities, and increased public awareness campaigns. One high-risk contact, a relative of the deceased, has been isolated, and other known contacts are under quarantine and monitoring.

Health workers have been urged to maintain high vigilance and adhere to infection control protocols, while private facilities must report any suspected cases immediately. The public is advised to avoid physical contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain hand hygiene, and ensure that suspected Ebola-related deaths are handled by trained personnel for safe burials.

The Ministry reassures the public that the government is fully engaged in the response and will continue to provide updates. For reporting suspected cases, the public can call the toll-free line 0800-100-066 or send an SMS to 6767.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-confirms-ebola-outbreak-after-kibuli-hospital-death