Uganda Declares End to Ebola Outbreak

Uganda recently declared the end of its Ebola outbreak after completing 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case. The outbreak, caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus, resulted in 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths. The last patient, an imported case from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was discharged July 16.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health declared the outbreak on May 15 after identifying an imported case. According to the World Health Organization, 15 of the 20 confirmed cases were linked to importation from the DRC, while five cases resulted from local transmission. Uganda followed more than 800 contacts, strengthened surveillance in high-risk districts and points of entry, and deployed trained health workers and essential supplies to support case detection, isolation and treatment.

Uganda will maintain enhanced surveillance, particularly at points of entry and in districts bordering the DRC, where an outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus remains ongoing. The country is also continuing cross-border collaboration with the DRC on Ebola preparedness and response.

Blood centers should continue implementing the additional donor screening measures described in Section III.B.2 of FDA’s Ebola guidance for Uganda until FDA advises that these measures may be discontinued.