Ministry of Health on Monday discharged the last eight patients who had been receiving treatment for Ebola Sudan Virus strain.
This development comes after an outbreak was declared on January 30, 2025, following the death of a male nurse in Kampala. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that there have been no new positive cases since the initial diagnosis.
The discharged patients had been under care at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala and a facility in Mbale. Their release signifies a turning point in the outbreak response, which has been lauded for its swift and coordinated efforts.
“None of these contacts have exhibited symptoms so far though they will remain under quarantine for 21 days from the time of their contact or exposure to the index case,” Aceng said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Uganda’s approach, stating that the recoveries “reflect the power of Uganda’s quick and coordinated response.”
Despite this progress, health authorities remain vigilant. At least 265 individuals who were identified as contacts of the confirmed cases are still under quarantine and monitoring in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale. These individuals will continue to be observed for a 21-day period from their last exposure to ensure they remain symptom-free.
The outbreak was attributed to the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine.
In response, Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, launched a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a candidate vaccine. This trial commenced just days after the outbreak was declared, marking a rapid and proactive effort to curb the virus’s spread.
Ebola is a highly infectious and often fatal hemorrhagic disease, transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
The swift discharge of the remaining patients and the absence of new cases offer hope, but health officials emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to prevent any resurgence of the virus.