Kampala, Uganda – Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) in Kampala, the Ministry of Health announced today.
In a press release, Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said laboratory tests from Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda Virus Research Institute, and Makerere University confirmed the outbreak.
The first confirmed patient was a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital.
He initially experienced fever, chest pain and difficulty breathing. As his condition worsened, he developed unexplained bleeding from multiple body parts.
He sought treatment at Mulago Hospital, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital before passing away at Mulago on January 29, 2025.
Following his death, health authorities have identified 45 people who were in contact with him, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago, 11 family members and 4 staff from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital.
Contact tracing in Mbale is ongoing and all exposed individuals have been placed under medical observation.
The Ministry of Health has set up isolation centers and is conducting Ebola vaccinations for identified contacts and frontline workers.
A specialized burial team has been assigned to ensure the safe and dignified burial of the deceased, minimizing the risk of further infections.
Dr. Atwine urged health workers to remain vigilant and follow strict infection prevention measures.
She also called on district leaders in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Mbale City and Mpigi to activate emergency task forces to support containment efforts.
The public has been advised to avoid contact with suspected Ebola cases, practice good hygiene and report any suspected symptoms to health authorities.
All public spaces have been encouraged to provide handwashing stations and sanitizers.
Dr. Atwine reassured Ugandans that the Ministry of Health is in full control of the situation and is taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, or chest pain should immediately report to the nearest health facility or call the Ministry’s toll-free hotline at 0800-100-066 or send a free SMS to 6767.