– 14 cases reported, with 10 recoveries and 4 deaths
– Sudan strain outbreak managed without approved vaccine
– WHO commends Uganda’s rapid containment efforts
On April 26, 2025, Uganda officially declared the end of its latest Ebola outbreak, less than three months after the virus was first confirmed in the capital, Kampala. The outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus—which currently has no approved vaccine—resulted in 14 cases (12 confirmed and 2 probable), including 4 deaths. The last patient was discharged on March 15, initiating the 42-day countdown required by the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an outbreak over.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and other partners, swiftly activated national coordination structures, deployed rapid response teams, and strengthened surveillance systems. Over 1,500 samples were tested, and more than 130 national and international staff were mobilized to support various aspects of the response, including case investigation, contact tracing, and laboratory diagnostics. Despite the absence of licensed vaccines for the Sudan strain, Uganda initiated a randomized clinical trial for vaccine safety and efficacy within four days of declaring the outbreak. Additionally, the administration of Remdesivir treatment under the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) protocol was implemented. (Uganda discharges the last Ebola patients. No new deaths from the contagious virus reported)
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Uganda’s efforts, stating, “This outbreak challenged us in new ways… The response demonstrated Uganda’s long-standing leadership in tackling public health emergencies.” This marks Uganda’s ninth Ebola outbreak since 2000, underscoring the country’s experience and resilience in managing such public health crises.
