Govt reports six new cases of Ebola virus

The Ministry of Health has reported six new cases of Ebola virus disease as the country struggles to contain the new outbreak which was first announced on January 30th, 2025.

In a statement released yesterday evening, Dr Charles Olaro, the Acting Director General of Health Services at the ministry, indicated that the total cases have now increased to nine, which is higher than the three cases that had been reported last week.

"As of today, a total of nine (9) confirmed cases have been reported. Unfortunately, the first case, also known as the index case, succumbed to the disease. The remaining eight confirmed cases are currently receiving medical care and are in stable condition. Of these, seven patients are being treated at Mulago National Referral Hospital, while one patient is at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital," Dr Olaro said.

"In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has placed 265 contacts under quarantine and strict follow-up measures. To contain the spread of the virus, the Ministry has heightened surveillance efforts, intensified public health risk communication, and strengthened community engagement efforts," he added.

Dr Olaro, like other officials from the Ministry, said "the situation is under control, and the country remains safe with NO travel restrictions."

"We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility or contact the Ministry of Health's toll-free line: 0800-100-066," he advised.

Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Health ministry, said earlier that the disease is transmitted through the blood or fluids of an infected person and objects that have been contaminated with body fluids from an infected person.

"Human-to-human transmission of Ebola occurs via direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person or a person who died of the disease. Touching objects contaminated with body fluids of an infected person is another way it is transmitted," she revealed.

Dr Atwine also said that one can also contract the disease through contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats and other wild animals.

The Health Ministry, following the outbreak of the disease in Mubende District, has asked the population in the affected area in Mubende and other parts of the country to report suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facilities for assessment.

The known symptoms of Ebola include high body temperatures, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and yellowing of the eyes. Bleeding is usually a late presentation after the above symptoms, according to the Health ministry.

Ebola vaccine trial

Last week, Uganda launched a trial of a vaccine against the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. The WHO is collaborating with Uganda’s ministry of health, the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and the Makerere University Lung Institute to conduct the
trial. The Sudan Ebola virus kills at least 40% of those infected.