Uganda has reached a major milestone after health officials discharged the country’s final Ebola patient. The development moves the nation one step closer to officially ending the outbreak.
Under World Health Organization (WHO) rules, Uganda must complete 42 consecutive days without recording a new Ebola case. The period represents two full incubation cycles of the virus. If no new infections appear, the WHO will officially declare the country Ebola-free.
Uganda Ebola Outbreak Nears End
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said authorities confirmed 20 Ebola cases during the outbreak.
Two patients died, while the remaining 18 recovered.
“We recorded a total of 20 cases. Two people died, and the rest recovered,” Baryomunsi said.
Health teams also monitored hundreds of people who had contact with infected patients. Officials observed them for 21 days before safely releasing them.
The minister added that authorities will strengthen health measures along Uganda’s borders to reduce the risk of new infections.
Border Monitoring Continues
Uganda shares a long border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a much larger Ebola outbreak continues.
Since authorities declared the outbreak in the DRC in mid-May, officials have confirmed more than 2,000 cases and 754 deaths.
The WHO believes the actual number could be much higher because many infections remain unreported.
Most cases detected in Uganda involved people who crossed the border from the DRC.
Uganda Ebola Response Wins Praise
International health experts praised the country’s rapid response.
Officials highlighted effective contact tracing, quick isolation of patients, and continuous monitoring of people exposed to the virus.
Serawit Bruck-Landais, Regional Global Health Counsellor at the French Embassy, said Uganda demonstrated that strong public health measures can successfully contain Ebola outbreaks.
“The contact tracing was very efficient, and the follow-up of those under care was excellent,” she said.
Hope for Better Treatment
Scientists continue searching for better treatments against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
The WHO recently launched the first clinical trial of an antiviral drug targeting the strain.
Researchers hope the study will improve future treatment options.
If the country completes the next 42 days without another infection, the WHO will officially declare Uganda Ebola-free.
