Uganda battling Ebola outbreak as two lives lost

Uganda is battling an outbreak of Ebola virus disease that has so far claimed two lives and affected nine, as its Health Ministry, with the support of the World Health Organization, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners, works to contain the outbreak.

The ministry declared the outbreak on Jan 30, after a 35-year-old man who worked as a nurse at a hospital tested positive for the virus following his death on Jan 29. The second fatality was a 4-year-old who succumbed to the virus on Feb 25.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, termed the death of the child heartbreaking.

"It is essential that the comprehensive response continues, including contact tracing to identify cases early, so people can receive care rapidly," he wrote on X. "The WHO will continue to work with the Ministry of Health Uganda to end the outbreak."

The WHO said on Saturday that together with Uganda's Health Ministry and partners, they are working to strengthen surveillance, active case searching, contact listing, and tracing.

This is in addition to infection prevention and control in health facilities, case management and community engagement to halt the spread of the virus.

The second death was reported a week after the Health Ministry discharged eight patients who were receiving treatment for the virus in the capital Kampala and the eastern town of Mbale. However, 216 contacts remained in quarantine at various facilities across the country.

Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Thursday that the organization continues to support Uganda's efforts to combat the current Ebola outbreak, ensuring swift action to contain the virus and protect communities.

A total of 91 contacts had been identified and were under close monitoring, he said, while investigations continue to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said 10 districts in Uganda have been identified as high-risk areas during the outbreak, which is Uganda's eighth Ebola outbreak since 2000.

According to the American Medical Association, the Ebola virus is characterized in part by its profound effect on healthcare professionals in the countries where it spreads.