Uganda Discharges Last Ebola Patient and Begins 42-Day Countdown

1-Minute Brief

The end of active Ebola cases in Uganda marks a key step in controlling cross-border outbreaks in the region.

Key Facts

• Uganda has discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient from Mulago national referral hospital’s isolation centre in Kampala.
• The patient discharged was a Congolese national.
• Most recent Ebola cases in Uganda were among travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Uganda has started lobbying for the lifting of Ebola-related travel restrictions.
• The World Health Organization requires a 42-day countdown with no new cases before declaring an outbreak officially over.

What Happened

Uganda discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient, a Congolese national, from a hospital isolation centre in Kampala, triggering the official 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over.

Why It Matters

This development is significant for regional public health, as it may lead to the lifting of travel restrictions and demonstrates progress in containing Ebola transmission across borders.

What's Next

Uganda will monitor for new cases during the 42-day countdown, while continuing to advocate for the removal of travel restrictions. The situation in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo remains under observation.