Uganda discharges all Ebola patients, says outbreak under control

The health ministry on February 18, 2025, discharged all Ebola patients from the two isolation and treatment centres (Mulago 7 and Mbale 1).

The announcement was made by health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who said Uganda has successfully contained the virus.

The outbreak, which was first confirmed on January 30, 2025, following the death of a male nurse working at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala city, has so far had a total of nine cases with eight in Kampala and one in Mbale.

“This index case had sought healthcare from multiple health facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Sayidina Abu Beka Islamic Hospital in Matugga, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and a traditional healer. His samples analysed at the Central Public Health Laboratory in Butabika, the Infectious Disease Institute in Makerere, and Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe confirmed the presence of the Sudan Ebola virus disease,” Aceng said.

This outbreak marked Uganda’s eighth confirmed Ebola outbreak. As of February 18, 2025, a total of nine cases had been confirmed, including the deceased index case. The remaining eight patients have fully recovered and have been discharged.

“Seven of them received treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s isolation facility, and one received treatment at Mbale Regional Hospital’s isolation facility. We are pleased to inform the public that all have recovered well,” she said.

Over 260 still being monitored

Aceng added that 265 contacts remain under strict quarantine and monitoring at designated facilities in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale. However, none of these contacts have exhibited symptoms, though they will remain under quarantine for 21 days.

“Today marks 20 days since the response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak began. The ministry has implemented key control measures, including tracing and quarantining all identified contacts, isolating symptomatic individuals and testing their samples,” Aceng said.

Control measures

She added that the ministry has since instituted three control measures to contain the outbreak. Firstly, by testing and quarantining all identified contacts to restrict monitoring for signs and symptoms of Ebola virus disease.

Health Frontline Workers pose for a photo with ministry of health officials.

Secondly, symptomatic contacts are being isolated and their samples are being tested for the virus in addition to tightening nationwide surveillance efforts to quickly detect and respond to any new cases.

Lastly, the ministry also intensified public health risk communication and community engagement to ensure that the public is informed and empowered to take preventive measures, according to Aceng.

“The institutional quarantine refers to carefully chosen hotels or hostels where these individuals stay. Our teams visit them daily to assess their health status and provide psychosocial support. This ensures timely detection of any clinical symptoms and immediate interventions,” Aceng said.

As of February 17, 2025, 91 contacts had completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up.

“The Ministry urges the public to welcome them back into their communities as they never had Ebola and pose no risk to public health,” she added.

Ebola

Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.

“The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with blood, sweat, urine, faeces, vomit, semen, or breast milk of an infected person. It can also spread through contaminated medical equipment or personal items and through close contact with infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, and forest antelopes,” Aceng said.

A suspected Ebola case may present with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, fatigue, chest pain, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, yellowing of the eyes, and, in later stages, unexplained bleeding.

According to the minister, the US government has also been pivotal in this fight by providing support despite the withdrawal of USAID funding by the Trump administration.

Outbreak incident commander Dr Kyobe Henry said they are trying to work around the clock to find where the index case got the virus from. According to him, the first case had not moved out of the country and they are yet to find the source of this Sudan Ebola virus.

Voices from the frontline

Head of Frontliners at the Mulago Isolation Unit David Kaggwa described the efforts made by the medical team.

 “This was a big team effort,” he said, adding: “Our isolation unit has a bed capacity of 80, with most rooms being self-contained. We are grateful to the Government of Uganda for providing a modern facility, unlike the tents we’ve had to use in the past.”

Kaggwa detailed the team composition, which included 33 professionals—eight doctors, 18 nurses, three mental health workers, two laboratory technologists, one logistician, and one nutritionist.

“We receive all suspected and confirmed Ebola patients, assess them, provide supportive treatment, and ensure their recovery.”

Survivor testimonies

Ezra Byegarazo, a clinical officer and survivor, shared his harrowing experience.

“At one point, I felt like my life was slipping away,” he said. “But with faith, support from my family, and the dedication of the medical team, I made it through. I want to urge my fellow survivors to remain vigilant and adhere to the precautions given to us.”

Byegarazo also emphasized the importance of trusting science and following public health guidance.

“Ebola is just a virus,” he said. “With the right care, we can overcome it.”

WHO and global support

World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Dr Kasonde G. Mulenga Mwinga praised Uganda’s response to the outbreak.

“This is one of my happiest days in Kampala,” he said, adding: “The Government of Uganda has shown remarkable leadership, swiftly identifying cases, setting up treatment centres, and working closely with partners.”

He commended Uganda’s strong community engagement and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance over the next 42 days.

“The next phase is crucial,” he said. “If no new cases emerge, we can officially declare the outbreak over. But even if we face surprises, our collective efforts must remain strong.”

The road ahead

Aceng clarified that while the outbreak is under control, Uganda has not yet declared it over. The ministry continues to monitor the remaining quarantined individuals.

“We still have days to count,” she said. “But Uganda remains safe for travel, trade, and tourism. Even if future outbreaks occur, our country has the capacity to manage them effectively.”

Ministry of Health encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or contact the Ministry’s toll-free line.