Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak after 42 days without new cases

Wednesday 29 July 2026 - 17:35

By: Azzat Manal

Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak after 42 days without new cases

Uganda has officially declared the end of its latest Ebola outbreak after completing 42 consecutive days without recording a new infection, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to contain the deadly viral disease.

The announcement followed an intensive period of epidemiological surveillance carried out across the country to ensure that transmission of the virus had been interrupted. The 42-day period began after the last confirmed Ebola patient was discharged from hospital on June 16.

The declaration is in line with World Health Organization guidelines, under which an Ebola outbreak can be considered over after 42 days have passed without a new case following the recovery or death of the last confirmed patient.

Ugandan health authorities maintained heightened monitoring throughout the surveillance period, with medical teams tracking potential cases and monitoring contacts to identify any signs of renewed transmission. No additional infections were detected during the 42-day period.

The outbreak, which began on May 15, resulted in 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Although the number of infections remained relatively limited, health authorities implemented strict public health measures and international response protocols to prevent the virus from spreading further.

The end of the outbreak represents an important achievement for Uganda's public health system, highlighting the role of early detection, contact tracing, medical care and coordinated disease surveillance in containing infectious diseases.

However, health officials are expected to maintain epidemiological monitoring, as Ebola remains a potential public health threat in the region. Continued vigilance will be essential to quickly detect and respond to any future cases or new outbreaks.