WHO declares Uganda Ebola-free after 42 days without new cases

Uganda has officially declared the end of its Ebola outbreak after a 42-day period with no new confirmed cases. This declaration has been praised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). A 42-day span is twice the maximum incubation period for Ebola and is a globally recognized indicator that transmission linked to an outbreak has ceased.

The final infected individual, an imported case, was released from care on July 16, 2026. Uganda had previously declared the interruption of local transmission on July 28, following 42 days without any new locally acquired cases. Despite this victory, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized Uganda's swift response, stating that decisive action can bring Ebola outbreaks under control quickly.

He stressed the importance of preparedness, surveillance, and careful management at entry points to protect communities without hampering travel and trade. The outbreak resulted in 20 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo virus, with 15 imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and five acquired locally among contacts and healthcare workers linked to the imported cases.

Eighteen individuals recovered, and two sadly passed away. Over 800 contacts were identified and monitored throughout the response. The Ebola outbreak was contained through a mix of case detection and confirmation, contact tracing, isolation, clinical care, enhanced infection prevention and control, community engagement, and disease surveillance in health facilities and border areas.

Africa CDC Director-General H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya highlighted the importance of leadership and strong community ties. He cautioned that Uganda's success should not prompt complacency, as the Ebola outbreak is still active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a neighboring country with significant social and economic ties. Dr Kaseya urged continued vigilance in border regions to prevent imported cases.

The WHO maintains that travel and trade restrictions are not necessary during Ebola outbreaks. Instead, countries should implement targeted public health measures to detect cases early and bolster preparedness. Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that ending an Ebola outbreak marks a significant milestone, but the true achievement lies in building stronger disease protection capabilities for the future.

He outlined continued disease surveillance, testing capacity, rapid alert investigation, strong infection prevention and control, community engagement, and cross-border coordination as essential for maintaining this progress. Both WHO and Africa CDC are committed to supporting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a joint continental preparedness and response plan.