Kampala, July 29: Uganda’s Ministry of Health has officially declared the end of the Ebola outbreak that had affected the country. The announcement was made on Tuesday, confirming that extensive investigations and clear data have scientifically proven that the virus is no longer spreading.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi expressed, “The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that the 2026 Ebola outbreak in Uganda is officially over. Uganda is now Ebola-free.”
This declaration came before the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard 42-day waiting period was completed. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 after tests showed no virus present.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, the decision was made because the source of the outbreak was identified, the entire chain of transmission was understood, all confirmed cases were linked, and monitoring of all contacts was completed without any new infections emerging during nationwide surveillance.
The Ministry emphasized that the 42-day rule is crucial in cases where the spread of infection is unclear or ongoing. If an outbreak from outside has been fully understood and all transmission chains are confirmed to be broken, waiting for the full 42 days is not necessary.
The Ministry also stated that Uganda will continue to strengthen its surveillance systems, especially in border areas, and will collaborate with neighboring countries. It reassured citizens, tourists, and investors that the country is completely safe and open for business, tourism, and other social and economic activities.
Uganda announced the Ebola outbreak on May 15 after a confirmed case was reported from an individual who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this outbreak, a total of 20 cases were confirmed, with 18 recoveries and two fatalities.
According to WHO, Ebola is a severe and often deadly disease affecting humans and other primates. The virus can initially spread from wild animals, such as fruit bats, porcupines, and monkeys, to humans. It then spreads between individuals through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, organs, or other secretions of an infected person. The infection can also spread through contaminated bedding, clothing, and other items.
Leave a Comment