The last patient treated for Ebola in Uganda has been discharged from hospital, leaving the country without a confirmed active case of the deadly disease.
A 42-day countdown now begins before Uganda can be officially declared Ebola-free, provided no new infections emerge.
The first case of this Bundibugyo virus outbreak in Uganda was confirmed in May. The patient was a man who had come from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, for medical treatment.
In total, Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases, mainly among visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and two deaths.
There have been more than 2,000 confirmed infections and 796 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to government data.
Speaking after Uganda’s last Ebola patient was released from hospital, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described it as “a moment of joy”.
“This demonstrates that with early detection, rapid treatment and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated.”
However, the Ministry of Health called on the population to “remain vigilant”.
“If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding, seek medical attention immediately,” he said in a statement on X.
Uganda has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the past two decades and now has well-established protocols to combat the virus. These include isolation of suspected cases and contact tracing as well as targeted public health messaging.
Meanwhile, authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are still battling to control the spread of the virus.
It is believed it may have been present in the community undetected for months before the outbreak was officially declared two months ago. Earlier this week, a World Health Organization official said the true number of infections could be four times higher than recorded.
In response to the latest situation, the United States announced that citizens who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo and wish to return home must spend 21 days in a third country before being allowed to enter America.
Previously, they could enter certain airports, where they were subject to a screening process.
The new rule could affect the recruitment of American doctors who want to work in Ebola-affected areas, Franklin Graham, CEO of an organization that runs Ebola treatment centers, told the Reuters news agency.
Ebola is caused by a virus that attacks the immune system and organs.
It normally infects animals, usually fruit bats, but outbreaks in humans can sometimes begin when people handle infected animals. It is spread through bodily fluids like blood.
Additional reporting by Swaibu Ibrahim in Kampala.
