Ministry of Health Confirms Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) in Kampala following laboratory verification from three National Reference Laboratories.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, revealed on Wednesday that the index case is a 32-year-old male nurse employed at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

“The confirmed case, designated as the index case, is a 32-year-old male nurse who initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga in Wakiso District, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City, as well as from a traditional healer,” Dr. Atwine stated.

Symptoms and Fatal Outcome

The patient initially presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, which later progressed to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites.

His condition deteriorated, leading to multi-organ failure, and he succumbed to the illness at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, 2025.

Post-mortem samples confirmed Sudan Ebola Virus Disease as the cause of death.

Government Response

The Ministry of Health has activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak, including:

Incident Management Team Activation: Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga.

Contact Tracing: So far, 44 contacts have been identified, including:

30 health workers and patients from Mulago Hospital

11 family members of the deceased

4 health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital

Safe Burial Protocols: The deceased will be given a safe and dignified burial to prevent further transmission.

Emergency Vaccination: The Ministry will immediately vaccinate all contacts of the deceased against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Public Reassurance

Dr. Atwine assured Ugandans that the situation is under control:

“We have confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala. The index case, a 32-year-old nurse from Mulago NRH, sought treatment at multiple facilities, but our rapid response teams are fully deployed, contact tracing is underway, and all necessary measures are in place to contain the situation. We assure the public that we are in full control.”

The Ministry urges anyone with suspected symptoms of Ebola (high fever, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, or multi-organ failure) to seek medical attention immediately.

For emergency reporting of suspected cases, the Ministry of Health has provided a toll-free number: 0800100066.

What is Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD)?

SVD is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Sudan virus, a strain of the Ebola virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, unexplained bleeding, and organ failure. Unlike the Zaire strain, there is currently no licensed vaccine for SVD, but experimental vaccines and supportive treatment can help manage cases.

Public Advisory

Health officials advise the public to remain vigilant by:
✔ Avoiding physical contact with suspected cases
✔ Reporting any unusual symptoms immediately
✔ Practicing strict hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing
✔ Cooperating with health teams for contact tracing and vaccinations.