Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak in Kampala With One Fatality Reported
TLDR
- Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Kampala
- A 32-year-old nurse died from the virus on January 29 at Mulago National Referral Hospital
- The outbreak comes as Tanzania and Rwanda have recently dealt with Marburg virus cases
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Kampala, with a 32-year-old nurse dying from the virus on January 29 at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Post-mortem results identified the Sudan Ebola virus strain.
The nurse sought treatment in Mbale, 240km east of Kampala, before being transferred to the capital. Authorities are tracing at least 44 contacts, including 30 health workers, to contain potential spread. A vaccination drive for all contacts will begin immediately.
Health officials urged Ugandans to report suspected cases, emphasizing that containment efforts are in place. The outbreak comes as Tanzania and Rwanda have recently dealt with Marburg virus cases, a similar haemorrhagic fever. Kampala’s dense population of over 4 million and its role as a transit hub for South Sudan, DRC, and Rwanda pose challenges for contact tracing. Uganda has previously managed nine Ebola outbreaks since 2000, with the last one in 2022 killing 55 people.
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Key Takeaways
Uganda’s Ebola response is being tested again as authorities track contacts and roll out vaccinations. The Sudan strain lacks an approved vaccine, complicating containment efforts. Kampala’s position as a regional trade hub increases cross-border transmission risks. The recent Marburg outbreaks in Tanzania and Rwanda highlight the region’s vulnerability to viral haemorrhagic fevers. Uganda’s previous success in managing outbreaks through testing, contact tracing, and isolation provides hope for containment. However, rapid urban spread remains a concern. Health authorities must balance local preparedness with regional coordination to prevent wider transmission. International health agencies may play a role in supporting Uganda’s containment strategy.
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