By Our Reporter
Kampala - The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Kampala following laboratory confirmation from three National Reference Laboratories.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine announced that the Ministry has activated its Incident Management Team and deployed Rapid Response Teams to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga to contain the spread.
Officials from Ministry of health during a press conference
The confirmed index case is a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital, who initially presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. His condition worsened, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple sites, multi-organ failure, and eventual death at Mulago Hospital on January 29, 2025. Post-mortem samples confirmed Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.
So far, 44 contacts have been listed, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago, 11 family members of the deceased, and 4 health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga. The Ministry has assured the public that no other health workers or patients on the ward have exhibited Ebola symptoms.
To prevent further transmission, the Ministry will ensure a safe and dignified burial for the deceased and immediately commence vaccination for all identified contacts.
Health authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, report any suspected cases, and adhere to precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Torch Media Africa
