The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Kampala, marking the country’s eighth Ebola outbreak. Laboratory tests conducted at the Central Public Health Laboratory, the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and Makerere University confirmed the presence of the virus.
According to MOH, the index case was a 32-year-old male nurse working at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He initially presented with fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple facilities, including Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, and a traditional healer. His condition worsened, with symptoms including high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and unexplained bleeding. He later suffered multi-organ failure and died at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, 2025. Post-mortem samples confirmed Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.
Health authorities have identified 44 contacts, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago, 11 family members, and four health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital. All contacts have been isolated, and additional tracing is ongoing in Mbale.
The Ministry of Health has activated the Incident Management Team and dispatched Rapid Response Teams to affected areas. Isolation centers have been set up, and symptomatic contacts will be transferred to designated treatment facilities. The ministry has also arranged for a dignified burial of the deceased to prevent further spread.
Vaccination of all contacts and frontline health workers is set to begin immediately. The government has deployed epidemiological teams to activate Regional Emergency Operation Centers in Kampala and Mbale.
Health workers are urged to follow strict infection prevention measures and report any suspected cases immediately. Private clinics must adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and coordinate with district health officials for case management.
Resident District and City Commissioners in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Mbale, and Mpigi have been directed to activate Task Forces and monitor suspected cases.
The Ministry of Health has advised the public to avoid physical contact with symptomatic individuals, practice regular hand hygiene, and refrain from handling bodies of suspected Ebola victims. Public places are encouraged to set up mandatory handwashing stations.
“The Government of Uganda reassures the public that we are in full control of the situation and remain committed to safeguarding lives,” the Ministry of Health stated.
