Uganda's Final Ebola Patients Released, 42-Day Countdown Begins to End Outbreak

Synopsis

Uganda has discharged its last two Ebola patients, marking the start of a 42-day countdown to potentially declare the outbreak over if no new cases arise. Health officials emphasize ongoing monitoring and urge public vigilance, following previous outbreaks that resulted in significant cases and fatalities.

Key Takeaways

Last two Ebola patients discharged
42-day countdown to end outbreak starts
Active surveillance continues
New cases reported on March 7
Public urged to report symptoms

Kampala, March 20 (NationPress) Uganda has officially released the last two Ebola patients, initiating a 42-day countdown to potentially declare the end of the latest outbreak, contingent on the absence of new cases, as per the announcement from the nation's health authorities.

A 55-year-old woman from Matuga in Wakiso district and a 45-year-old woman from Kyegegwa district have both recovered after receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala and Fort Portal Regional Hospital's Ebola Treatment Unit in Kabarole District, respectively, stated Charles Olaro, acting director general of health services at the Ministry of Health.

"The Ministry of Health has initiated a 42-day countdown to conclude the current Ebola outbreak following the recovery and discharge of these two patients, who have tested negative after receiving supportive treatment," Olaro mentioned.

"It is important to note that the discharge of these patients does not signify the end of the outbreak. An outbreak can only be considered over when no new cases are recorded for 42 days post the last patient's recovery or death," he added.

Olaro emphasized that active surveillance and vaccination of contacts linked to confirmed cases will persist until the outbreak is officially declared over, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

On March 7, Uganda reported two new Ebola cases in Kampala, just two weeks after discharging all previously infected individuals, raising the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 12 since the outbreak was declared in January.

The outbreak was declared on January 30, following the death of a 32-year-old nurse from the disease in the capital. The second death was a four-and-a-half-year-old child from Kibuli, a Kampala suburb, who passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital on February 25.

"The Ministry of Health assures the public that the situation is under control and that the country remains safe," Olaro stated.

"We urge the public to stay alert and report individuals displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola to their nearest health facility," he added.

According to World Health Organization data, Uganda's last Ebola outbreak from September 2022 to January 2023 resulted in 164 cases and 77 deaths.