Uganda Officially Ends Sixth Ebola Outbreak

On April 26, 2025, Uganda announced the conclusion of its sixth outbreak of the Ebola virus, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals since late January.

This declaration was made 42 days following the discharge of the last confirmed case from medical care. The outbreak involved a total of 14 reported cases, including 12 confirmed and 2 probable, leading to four fatalities--two confirmed deaths and two probable. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that ten individuals successfully recovered from the infection during this period.

The confirmed cases were attributed to the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, which notably claimed the lives of a four-year-old child and a healthcare worker. In response to the outbreak, health authorities monitored several dozen individuals who had been in contact with those infected, as stated by the Africa CDC.

According to Uganda's health ministry, the outbreak has officially been declared over, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to combat this deadly disease. The announcement was made via a social media post, confirming that no new cases have been reported since the last confirmed patient was discharged on March 14, 2025.

In a show of support, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Uganda's health officials for their effective response and dedication in managing the outbreak. He expressed his congratulations to the Ugandan government and health workers for successfully concluding the Ebola outbreak.

Despite the end of this outbreak, there remains a significant challenge in the form of the Sudan strain, as there is currently no approved vaccine available. However, a vaccination trial aimed at addressing this strain was initiated in February and has been recognized by the WHO as one of the quickest deployments of an Ebola vaccine trial during an ongoing epidemic.

Funding for health initiatives like this remains a pressing issue. Earlier in March, the United Nations issued a call for $11.2 million to help combat this epidemic, following a reduction in humanitarian aid from the United States.

Ebola spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms do not manifest until the infected person shows signs of illness, which typically include fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea, appearing after an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days.

Over the past fifty years, Ebola has led to the deaths of more than 15,000 people across Africa, encompassing all six known strains of the virus.