Sudan Ebola virus confirmed in Kampala
According to Dr. Atwine, the patient initially presented with fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga (Wakiso District), and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City. He also visited a traditional healer.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) in Kampala, marking the country’s seventh outbreak of the virus.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, announced that laboratory tests conducted at three national reference laboratories returned positive results.
The confirmed case, identified as the index case, is a 32-year-old male nurse employed at Mulago National Referral Hospital. According to Dr. Atwine, the patient initially presented with fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga (Wakiso District), and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City. He also visited a traditional healer.
Over five days, his condition worsened, with high fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties progressing to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites. The patient later suffered multi-organ failure and succumbed to the illness at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, 2025. Post-mortem tests confirmed he had contracted the Sudan Ebola Virus.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities have swiftly activated emergency measures. Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital, where suspected cases have been identified.
Dr. Atwine reported that 44 contacts have been listed so far, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago National Referral Hospital, 11 family members of the deceased, and four health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital. She added that the deceased would receive a safe and dignified burial to prevent further spread of the disease, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to containing the outbreak.
Authorities have launched a targeted vaccination campaign for all identified contacts to curb further transmission. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures. Dr. Atwine reassured Ugandans that the government is in full control of the situation and remains committed to safeguarding lives. She encouraged people to report any suspected Ebola cases to the toll-free line, 0800-100-066, or visit the nearest health facility.
This marks Uganda’s seventh Sudan Ebola outbreak. The last outbreak, which ended on January 11, 2023, resulted in 164 infections and 55 confirmed deaths. Since the first recorded outbreak in 2000, Uganda has reported a total of 325 cases and 224 deaths linked to the virus. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as containment efforts intensify.
