Uganda has successfully discharged the last eight Ebola patients, marking a significant milestone in its fight against the deadly virus.
Health authorities confirmed on Tuesday that there were no new positive cases following the outbreak declared last month. The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Uganda’s quick and coordinated response, noting that the recoveries reflect the country’s diligent efforts to contain the virus.
The majority of Ebola patients were treated at the main referral facility in the capital, Kampala. The outbreak began after a male nurse succumbed to the virus on January 29, the day before the outbreak was officially declared.
Contact tracing has been a critical tool in preventing further spread. Uganda’s Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng revealed that 265 contacts were identified, with 90 having completed quarantine without showing symptoms of the virus.
Despite the lack of an approved vaccine for the Sudan strain of Ebola, Uganda is advancing a clinical trial for a potential vaccine. The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in controlling future outbreaks.
In the last significant outbreak, which began in September 2022, at least 55 lives were lost before the situation was declared under control after four months.
Ebola remains a potent threat, transmitted through bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms range from fever and diarrhea to severe bleeding, making early detection and containment essential in combating the virus.
