Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus after the death of a 32-year-old male nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, 2025. The nurse, who had developed fever-like symptoms, tragically succumbed to multi-organ failure after seeking treatment at several health facilities. The confirmation of the virus has raised concerns about a potential outbreak in the country.
According to Diana Atwine, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, the nurse initially presented with high fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. His condition worsened, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites. Despite receiving medical attention at multiple locations, including Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, the patient passed away. A post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), one of the four strains that cause Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans.
Sudan virus is a known member of the Ebolavirus genus, which has caused severe outbreaks in Africa in the past. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as a significant threat, with seven previous outbreaks recorded—four in Uganda and three in Sudan. This makes the recent confirmation of the virus in Uganda particularly alarming.
In response to the outbreak, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has activated its Incident Management Team and dispatched Rapid Response Teams to the affected areas, including Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital. Atwine revealed that 44 people, including 30 healthcare workers, 11 family members of the deceased, and four health workers from the Islamic Hospital, have been identified as contacts of the deceased and will be monitored closely.
To prevent further spread, vaccination efforts are set to begin immediately, targeting all individuals who have had contact with the deceased. This includes both healthcare workers and family members who may have been exposed to the virus. Atwine assured the public that the deceased would be given a safe and dignified burial, in line with protocols to minimize the risk of transmission.
Sudan ebolavirus outbreaks have historically been difficult to control, and the government’s swift action is crucial to curbing the virus’s spread. The situation is being closely monitored, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any potential symptoms of the virus.
As Uganda confronts this new outbreak, the lessons learned from past Ebola crises will be critical in managing and containing the virus. The global community remains on alert, hoping that Uganda’s quick response will help prevent a wider epidemic.
