A Growing Ebola Threat in Uganda and How to Stay Safe

On January 29, 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD), a deadly strain of Ebola. This marked the country’s eighth encounter with this hemorrhagic fever since 2000. The outbreak began in Kampala, the bustling capital, when a 32-year-old male nurse died from the virus at Mulago National Referral Hospital. His death raised alarm bells because he sought treatment across multiple districts like Kampala, Wakiso, and Mbale. He even consulted a traditional healer, potentially spreading the virus before it was identified. As of March 18, 2025, the outbreak has caused multiple fatalities and tested Uganda’s resilience, but there are glimmers of hope amid the international response.

By March 5, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 14 cases, 12 confirmed and 2 probable spanning six districts: Kampala, Jinja, Kyegegwa, Mbale, Ntoroko, and Wakiso. Four deaths have occurred, yielding a case fatality rate of 29%, which is lower than the historical average of 41% to 70% for the Sudan strain. The victims range from a 1.5-year-old child to a 55-year-old adult, with a mean age of 27 and a slight male majority (55%). A notable cluster of cases emerged in late February when a child under 5 died at Mulago Hospital, linking to additional infections.

The outbreak remains tied to a single transmission chain, with no spread beyond Uganda’s borders. As of March 17, there were no patients in care, and no new cases had been confirmed since March 2 raising cautious optimism that the worst may be over. If no further cases emerge, the outbreak could be declared over by mid-April, 42 days after the last exposure.

Uganda’s response has been prompt, utilizing experiences from its 2022 Ebola outbreak, which ended in January 2023 after 164 cases and 77 deaths. Within four days of the 2025 outbreak’s declaration, WHO and partners initiated a groundbreaking vaccine trial on February 3, utilizing a candidate from IAVI. This ring vaccination strategy targets high-risk contacts, marking a first in testing efficacy against Sudan virus disease during an outbreak. Experimental treatments, including a monoclonal antibody and remdesivir, are also undergoing clinical trials. By March 5, 192 new contacts were under surveillance, while 299 had completed a 21-day monitoring period.

International support has been critical. WHO allocated $3 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies, and Sweden contributed approximately $2 million (7.3–7.5 billion Ugandan shillings) to bolster Uganda’s efforts, likely aiding vaccine and containment initiatives. However, challenges persist. The absence of an approved vaccine or treatment for Sudan virus disease, combined with reported cuts in U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration, has strained resources, according to U.S. officials on March 7.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids ie.blood, saliva, sweat, or vomit from an infected person or via contaminated surfaces. While Uganda’s outbreak is localized, understanding prevention is vital, especially in affected areas or for travelers. Here’s how to stay safe:

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
   
2. Avoid Contact with Sick Individuals: Stay away from anyone showing symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding. Ebola is most contagious when symptoms are severe.
   
3. Handle Animals with Care: Ebola can originate from wildlife such as bats or monkeys. Avoid handling bushmeat or wild animals, especially if they are sick or dead.
   
4. Use Protective Gear: Healthcare workers and caregivers should wear gloves, masks, and gowns when near patients. Properly dispose of contaminated materials.
   
5. Stay Informed: Follow updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health or WHO. Avoid rumors and rely on verified sources.
   
6. Seek Medical Help Early: If you experience fever, fatigue, muscle pain, or bleeding after potential exposure, isolate yourself and contact a health facility immediately.
   

Community education and contact tracing are crucial to Uganda’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of reporting symptoms and avoiding traditional practices like touching the deceased during burials, which have fueled past outbreaks.

The Ebola outbreak in Uganda in 2025 highlights both the danger of emerging diseases and the power of coordinated action. The vaccine trial offers hope for a future tool against Sudan virus disease, while Sweden’s aid and WHO’s leadership demonstrate global solidarity. For Ugandans in affected districts, vigilance remains essential. Washing hands, avoiding risks, and heeding health advisories could be the difference between containment and catastrophe. As the world watches, Uganda’s efforts may shape how we tackle Ebola for years to come.