Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patients with no new positive cases reported since the outbreak began on January 30, 2025. The World Health Organization praised Uganda’s effective response. Although there are no approved vaccines for the Sudan strain, a clinical study is underway to test a trial vaccine. The previous outbreak resulted in 55 fatalities from September 2022 to January 2023.
On February 18, 2025, Uganda’s health authorities announced the discharge of the last eight patients who had recovered from an Ebola outbreak. They confirmed that there were no new positive cases reported since the outbreak was declared on January 30. These recoveries were recognized by the World Health Organization as a significant achievement that highlights Uganda’s rapid and organized response to the crisis.
Most of the Ebola patients received treatment at Mulago Referral Hospital in Kampala. The outbreak’s only fatality was a male nurse who died just prior to the outbreak declaration. His relatives were among those subsequently hospitalized with the virus, prompting extensive contact tracing efforts. During this process, health officials documented 265 contacts, with 90 individuals having completed quarantine while being monitored for symptoms.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines for the Sudan strain of Ebola affecting this particular outbreak. However, Ugandan authorities are conducting a clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a trial vaccine as part of their strategy to curb the disease’s spread. Previously, an Ebola outbreak in Uganda from September 2022 resulted in 55 fatalities before it was declared contained four months later.
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and in severe cases, both internal and external bleeding. The origins of the virus can be traced back to zoonotic transmission, likely from contact with certain infected animals or consumption of their meat.
In summary, Uganda has successfully discharged its last Ebola patients and reported no new cases following a recent outbreak. This event marks a significant achievement and reflects the effectiveness of contact tracing and health interventions. Though there is no licensed vaccine for the Sudan strain currently, ongoing clinical studies aim to develop effective preventive measures against future outbreaks.
Original Source: apnews.com
