Uganda is facing another Ebola outbreak. The Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala after a nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital died from the virus on January 29, 2025. This marks Uganda's eighth Ebola outbreak.
Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, confirmed the news, stating that laboratory tests conducted by several institutions verified the presence of the Sudan Ebola virus. The 32-year-old male nurse, the first reported case, had sought treatment at multiple healthcare facilities before his condition deteriorated.
He initially presented with fever-like symptoms and was treated at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, and even consulted a traditional healer. His symptoms progressed to include high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and eventually unexplained bleeding from multiple sites, leading to multi-organ failure.
Health authorities are now working diligently to trace and monitor all potential contacts to prevent a wider spread. While no other healthcare workers or patients have shown symptoms so far, they are under close observation. Dr. Atwine assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to contain the virus.
The Ministry of Health has launched public awareness campaigns to educate people about Ebola's symptoms and transmission. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, and its symptoms include high fever, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. Health officials are urging everyone to take strict precautions to prevent further transmission.
Uganda's last Ebola outbreak, also of the Sudan strain, occurred between September 2022 and January 2023.
That outbreak resulted in 142 confirmed cases and 55 deaths, with a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. Including probable cases, the death toll rose to 77. The outbreak affected nine districts and infected at least 19 healthcare workers, seven of whom died. It was declared over on January 11, 2023.
