The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) in Kampala, following laboratory results from three National Reference Laboratories. This announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, during a media briefing on January 30, 2025.
The confirmed case, identified as the index patient, was a 32-year-old male nurse employed at Mulago National Referral Hospital. According to the Ministry of Health, he initially developed fever-like symptoms. He sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga (Wakiso District), and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City. He also consulted a traditional healer.
The patient presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. His condition deteriorated, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites and multi-organ failure. Sadly, he succumbed to the illness on January 29, 2025, at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Post-mortem samples confirmed the presence of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
The Ministry of Health has swiftly responded to the outbreak by implementing various emergency measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Key actions taken include:
- Incident Management and Rapid Response Teams: The Incident Management Team has been activated, and Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga and Mbale City to assess the situation and contain further spread.
- Contact Tracing: So far, 44 contacts have been identified and are under monitoring. These include:
- 30 health workers and patients from Mulago National Referral Hospital
- 11 family members of the deceased
- 4 health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga
- Safe and Dignified Burial: To prevent further transmission, the deceased will be given a safe and dignified burial, in accordance with established protocols for handling Ebola victims.
- Vaccination Efforts: The Ministry of Health has announced immediate vaccination for all identified contacts of the deceased, aiming to curb the possible spread of the virus.
As of now, no other healthcare workers or patients in the affected ward have exhibited symptoms of Ebola. However, the Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures, including practicing proper hygiene, avoiding physical contact with suspected cases, and reporting any symptoms associated with Ebola to the nearest health facility.
Dr. Atwine reassured Ugandans that the government is taking all necessary steps to manage and contain the outbreak. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official Ministry of Health updates and avoid misinformation regarding the disease.
About the Sudan Ebola Virus
The Sudan Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Sudan virus, a strain of the Ebola virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated objects, or infected animals. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding.
The confirmation of this outbreak underscores the critical need for heightened surveillance, community cooperation, and timely medical intervention to prevent further loss of life. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Ministry of Health urges all Ugandans to take necessary precautions and report any suspected cases immediately. Health facilities remain on high alert, and teams are working around the clock to ensure public safety.
For further updates, follow official Ministry of Health communications and adhere to recommended health guidelines to protect yourself and those around you.