Uganda confirms 141 Ebola cases, 55 deaths

November 26, 2022 (KAMPALA) – A total of 141 confirmed cases and 55 confirmed deaths from Ebola disease caused by the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) have been recorded since the outbreak declaration on September 20, the Uganda Ministry of Health said.

In addition, it said, 22 probable cases were reported since the beginning of the outbreak.

Overall, 19 cases with seven deaths reportedly occurred among the healthcare workers.

According to the Health ministry, during the week commencing November 7, five confirmed and one probable case was reported, including one confirmed case and one probable death from a newly affected district (Jinja), in the Eastern Region of Uganda.

“The most recent confirmed case was reported by the Uganda MoH on 14 November, from Kampala district,” reads the ministry’s statement.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 4,654 contacts of Ebola cases have been identified across 15 districts, of which 3 636 contacts have completed 21 days of follow up.

On September 20, 2022, the Ministry of Health in Uganda, together with the WHO – Regional Office for Africa confirmed an outbreak of EVD due to Sudan ebolavirus in Mubende District, Uganda, after one fatal case was confirmed.

On 15 October 2022, the President of Uganda imposed a 21-day lockdown on Mubende and Kassanda districts to contain the outbreak of EVD. Measures included an overnight curfew, closing places of worship and entertainment, and restricting movement in and out of the two districts.

On 28 October 2022, the Health ministry in Uganda implemented measures to restrict travel for contacts of confirmed Ebola cases during the follow-up period (21 days).

On November 5, these measures were extended for further 21 days.

(ST)