When was the first case of Sudan Ebola registered in Uganda in 2025?
The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) in Kampala, following laboratory tests from three national reference laboratories. The first confirmed case, a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital, succumbed to the disease on January 29, 2025.
Addressing a press briefing in Kampala, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine revealed that the patient had initially presented with fever-like symptoms and had sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including from traditional healers.
“The patient had a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, which later escalated to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites,” Dr. Atwine stated.
His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to multi-organ failure and ultimately, death. Post-mortem samples confirmed the presence of the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus.
Seventh Sudan Ebola Virus Outbreak in Uganda
This marks Uganda’s seventh recorded outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus. The previous outbreak, which was officially declared over on January 11, 2023, resulted in 164 cases and 55 confirmed deaths. Since the first outbreak in 2000, Uganda has recorded a total of 325 cases and 224 deaths.
Government Response and Containment Measures
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has activated an Incident Management Team and deployed Rapid Response Teams to affected areas. Authorities are currently tracing and monitoring 44 contacts of the deceased, including healthcare workers and family members.
Dr. Atwine reassured the public that emergency vaccination efforts would commence immediately, targeting high-risk contacts of the deceased.
“We are taking all necessary measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. Our teams are on high alert, and we urge the public to remain vigilant,” she emphasized.
The Ministry of Health has urged Ugandans to report any suspected cases and to adhere to preventive measures, including strict hygiene practices and avoiding unnecessary physical contact with suspected cases.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as health officials continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak.
What is Ebola Virus?
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%, with past outbreaks varying from 25% to 90%.
History of Ebola in Uganda
Uganda has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in 1976. Notably, in 2000, an outbreak in the Gulu district resulted in over 200 deaths. In 2012, another outbreak occurred in the Kibaale district. More recently, in September 2022, an outbreak of the Sudan strain of the virus was declared in Mubende district. This outbreak spread to neighboring districts, including Kassanda and the capital city, Kampala. By January 2023, after implementing control measures such as surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention, Uganda was declared Ebola-free.
What are some common Ebola Symptoms?
The incubation period for Ebola ranges from 2 to 21 days. Symptoms can appear suddenly and include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These initial symptoms are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and impaired kidney and liver function. In some cases, both internal and external bleeding occur, such as oozing from the gums or blood in the stools. Laboratory findings often show low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.
When Was the Last Ebola Case?
The most recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda was declared over on January 11, 2023, after 42 consecutive days without a new case. This declaration followed an outbreak that began in September 2022, resulting in 143 confirmed cases and 55 deaths. The swift response by health authorities, including lockdowns in affected districts and public health campaigns, was instrumental in controlling the spread of the virus.
Does Sudan Ebola have a Vaccine?
As of January 2025, there is no licensed vaccine for the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, which was responsible for the 2022-2023 outbreak in Uganda. However, vaccines for the Zaire strain, such as Ervebo, have been developed and are used in outbreak responses. Research and trials are ongoing to develop effective vaccines against various Ebola virus strains, including the Sudan strain.
Which is the most recent New Disease in Uganda between 2024 and 2025?
In August 2024, Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in the country. The first two cases were identified in Kasese District, imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. A subsequent case was detected in Kampala. Mpox symptoms include a rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. The government, in collaboration with international partners, initiated measures to control the spread, including public awareness campaigns and surveillance.
