

30 January 2025, 6:46 pm
By Byamukama Alozious
A new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, after a 32-year-old male nurse at Mulago hospital died on January 29. The nurse was infected with the Sudan Ebola virus type, according to Dian Atwine, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health has swiftly identified at least 44 contacts, who will be vaccinated using the Ebola vaccine previously purchased by Uganda. This prompt response is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.
The case initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago national hospital, Saidina Abubakar hospital, Mbale regional hospital, and from a traditional healer.
To contain the situation, the Ministry of Health is considering isolation measures and has set up an isolation facility at Mulago hospital, which previously catered to COVID-19 patients. The ministry has also activated its incident management team and dispatched rapid response teams to Mbale city and Saidina Abubakar Islamic hospital.
The ministry advises the public to avoid physical contact with symptomatic individuals and maintain hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap or using a sanitiser.
Uganda, being part of the Congo Basin, has faced numerous outbreaks of deadly diseases, including Ebola, Marburg, and Mpox. Despite these challenges, the country has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond effectively and contain outbreaks.