The last Ebola patient in Uganda has been discharged from the hospital, starting a 42-day countdown to officially declare the country Ebola-free.
Foreign news agencies reported on 16 Jul 2026 that the final Ebola patient receiving treatment in Uganda has been cleared to leave the hospital and return home. This means there are currently no confirmed active cases in the country, although a 42-day waiting period remains before Uganda can be declared Ebola-free.
The first confirmed case in this Bundibugyo virus outbreak in Uganda was identified in May. The patient was a man who had traveled from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is the epicenter of the epidemic, seeking medical treatment.
Authorities in the DRC are currently battling to control the outbreak, while the United States has expanded travel restrictions for American citizens who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Uganda, the 42-day countdown has begun before the country can be officially declared Ebola-free, provided no new cases are detected during this period.
“This shows that with rapid detection, timely treatment, and a strong healthcare system, we can overcome Ebola,” said Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda's Minister of Health.
However, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to "remain vigilant," stating in a post on platform X, “If you experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.”
So far, Uganda has recorded a total of 20 Ebola cases during this outbreak, mostly among travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 2 deaths reported.
Meanwhile, in the DRC, the outbreak epicenter, over 2,000 confirmed cases have been reported, with at least 796 deaths from this deadly virus. The World Health Organization warns that the actual number of cases could be up to four times higher than official figures.
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Source:bbc