Uganda declared free of Ebola outbreak after 42 days without new cases
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have declared the end of Uganda’s Ebola outbreak. The announcement follows Uganda going 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case after the last patient was discharged on July 16, 2026. The outbreak, which began on May 15, 2026, was caused by the Bundibugyo virus and involved both imported and local cases. Health officials praised Uganda’s swift response and highlighted the importance of ongoing surveillance and preparedness.
Highlights
- Uganda’s Ebola outbreak was declared over after 42 days with no new cases following the discharge of the last patient on July 16, 2026.
- The outbreak was first declared on May 15, 2026, and involved 20 confirmed cases, including 15 imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- Eighteen people recovered, while two people died during the outbreak.
- WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya commended Uganda’s decisive leadership and public health measures.
- Surveillance and outbreak-control measures continued after the last case, with authorities urging sustained efforts to prevent future outbreaks and regional spread.
