Photo Credit:Reuters
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in its capital, Kampala, following the death of a 32-year-old nurse. The victim, who exhibited symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, and bleeding, succumbed to multi-organ failure on Wednesday at Mulago National Hospital.
This marks Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak since 2000 and the first confirmed case of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) since the 2022 outbreak in Mubende district. SUDV, a strain of the Ebola virus, is highly infectious and lacks an approved vaccine, unlike the more common Zaire strain.
Authorities have identified 44 close contacts, including 30 healthcare workers, and initiated contact tracing. However, containment efforts face challenges as Kampala serves as a bustling hub for regional travel. The victim’s movements prior to his death, including visits to multiple health facilities and a traditional healer, have raised concerns about further transmission.
Ebola is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, with symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to severe internal bleeding. The disease’s fatality rate varies between 25% and 90%, depending on the outbreak and response measures.
Health officials are deploying rapid response teams and urging vigilance to prevent a broader crisis. With no vaccine for the Sudan strain, early detection, isolation, and supportive care remain critical to limiting the outbreak’s impact.
