Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak
Kampala, July 28
Uganda's Ministry of Health on Tuesday officially declared an end to the current Ebola outbreak, saying advances in epidemiological investigations and the fully characterised nature of the outbreak provided sufficient scientific evidence that transmission had been interrupted.
"The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that Uganda has officially declared the end of the 2026 Ebola disease outbreak. Today, Uganda is Ebola-free," said a statement quoting Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi.
The announcement came before the completion of the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard 42-day countdown following the discharge of the last patient. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 after the individual tested negative for the virus, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The Ministry of Health said the declaration was based on the identification of the outbreak's source, the complete reconstruction of transmission chains, the epidemiological linkage of all confirmed cases, the successful follow-up of all identified contacts, and enhanced nationwide surveillance that detected no further community transmission.
The long-standing 42-day criterion, while remaining an essential safeguard where transmission is uncertain or ongoing, should not be regarded as the only basis for declaring an outbreak over when an imported outbreak has been fully characterised and epidemiological closure conclusively demonstrated, said the ministry.
It added that Uganda would continue strengthening surveillance, maintaining preparedness, particularly in border districts, and working closely with neighbouring countries. It also reassured residents, visitors, and investors that the country remains safe and open for business, tourism, and other socio-economic activities.
Uganda declared the outbreak on May 15 after confirming an imported Ebola case from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country recorded 20 confirmed cases, including 18 recoveries and two deaths.
Ebola disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates, according to the statement released by the WHO. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates and then spreads among human beings through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials like bedding and clothing contaminated with these fluids.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some positive news from the global health front! 🙏 The way Uganda and WHO worked together to trace contacts and control spread is really impressive. Hope India's healthcare system can learn from this approach.
As an Indian, I'm relieved to see this outbreak contained. My cousin lives in Kampala for business, was worried about him. Uganda's transparency in handling this is something we should appreciate - they didn't hide cases.
Good work by Uganda and WHO. The decision to declare it over before the 42-day period shows scientific flexibility. India should invest more in rapid response teams for such outbreaks - our public health infrastructure needs modernization.
Very happy for Uganda! 🇮🇳 But let's not forget Ebola still exists in other African nations. India must remain vigilant at our airports and ports. The 2014 outbreak showed us how easily diseases can cross borders.
Congratulations Uganda! This is a testament to what strong public health systems can achieve. I hope Indian health authorities are paying attention - we need better coordination between states and center for disease control.
Great news for global health security! The scientific approach of characterizing the outbreak fully before declaring it over is smart. India could benefit from similar rigorous epidemiological work in our disease surveillance programs.