Health Authorities Race to Contain Deadly Sudan Strain as Fears Grow Over Potential Ebola Outbreak And Spread in Kampala and Beyond
KAMPALA, UGANDA– Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a new outbreak of the Ebola virus in the capital, Kampala, following the death of a 32-year-old nurse. The victim, who displayed severe symptoms including high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and bleeding from multiple body sites, passed away on Wednesday at Mulago National Hospital after succumbing to multi-organ failure.
This marks the country’s eighth recorded Ebola outbreak since 2000. The Sudan strain of the Ebola virus (SUDV), a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever, is the cause of this outbreak. The virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids and tissues of infected individuals.
Nurse’s Journey Before Diagnosis Raises Concerns
Before his death, the nurse sought medical attention at several health facilities and even consulted a traditional healer. He visited hospitals in Kampala as well as the city of Mbale, which borders Kenya, before his Ebola diagnosis was confirmed.
The Ministry of Health has identified 44 contacts of the deceased, including 30 healthcare workers, for tracing. Rapid response teams have been dispatched to contain the spread of the disease. However, contact tracing poses a challenge in Kampala, a major travel hub for neighboring countries, including South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sudan Strain: No Vaccine, High Risk
This outbreak is the second Sudan strain (SUDV) outbreak in Uganda in just two years. The previous outbreak, centered in Mubende district, ended in December 2022 after four months. Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain.
Ebola symptoms typically begin with fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the disease has a case fatality rate of between 25% and 90%, depending on response efforts.
With Uganda facing another deadly outbreak, the government and health authorities are on high alert to curb further spread of the virus.
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