Uganda: WHO Declares Uganda Ebola-Free After 42 Days Without New Case

Kampala, Uganda - The World Health Organization has once again declared Uganda Ebola-free after a 42-day period without a new confirmed case, according to Dr Kasonde Mwinga, the WHO Representative in Uganda. The declaration, announced on Wednesday, follows a similar declaration earlier this month by the Ministry of Health. Dr Mwinga explained that the 42-day period is the global standard for confirming the end of an Ebola outbreak, providing further assurance that any chains of transmission associated with the imported case from May have been identified.

The Ministry of Health noted that the declaration could allow neighboring countries that placed travel restrictions on Uganda due to the case to lift their measures, which have impacted the country's economy. Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that Uganda will continue surveillance, including monitoring deaths and screening travelers, particularly at borders.

Although Ebola transmission continues in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, the WHO states that the situation there does not currently pose a significant threat to Uganda due to robust surveillance measures. Uganda has been supporting the DRC response and operates two Ebola treatment centers there. The government is also seeking to establish two additional treatment centers to aid in managing the outbreak.