Uganda has confirmed its sixth Ebola Sudan outbreak, with a new case involving the wife of the index patient, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The woman was tested on February 2 after experiencing symptoms and has been isolated for treatment. Her husband, a 32-year-old nurse, died from his infection in January.
The WHO said the man’s exposure to the virus is still under investigation. He visited a traditional healer and healthcare facilities across multiple districts before dying. With three of his close contacts showing symptoms, authorities are working to contain the outbreak.
Risks of undetected transmission chains remain high, with the source of the outbreak remaining unknown. The WHO warns that rapid containment is critical due to Kampala’s dense population and Mbale’s location near the border with Kenya.
Uganda has previously managed Ebola outbreaks, and officials have launched a ring vaccination trial using experimental vaccines provided by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. With the new case, authorities are working to prevent further spread of the disease.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/ebola/uganda-ebola-sudan-outbreak-total-rises-2-more-cases-suspected