Uganda has effectively managed the Ebola outbreak that was declared nearly two months ago due to cases imported from neighboring Congo, as stated by Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health. Through treating confirmed cases and their contacts, tracing and quarantining individuals, and providing necessary care, the spread has been contained. Additionally, preventive measures have been put in place to prevent the disease from spreading from eastern Congo, the epicenter of the current outbreak.
Atwine mentioned that Uganda is in talks with countries that have imposed travel restrictions related to Ebola to have these measures lifted. A significant team of medical staff, two mobile laboratories, and logistical support from Uganda are en route to Congo to aid in the Ebola response efforts. This collaborative initiative between Uganda and Congo aims to enhance the cross-border response, reduce patient movement into Uganda, prevent cross-border transmission, and expedite the end of the outbreak.
As of July 5, Uganda had documented a total of 20 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak began on May 15, comprising 15 imported cases from Congo and five locally transmitted cases. Out of these cases, 16 patients have recovered, two are still receiving treatment, and two have unfortunately passed away. The Ministry of Health highlighted that the countdown to declaring Uganda Ebola-free will commence once the last confirmed patient is no longer infectious. If no new cases emerge during the 42-day period, the outbreak will be officially declared over.
