Uganda declares Ebola outbreak over after 42 days

Uganda has officially declared its Ebola outbreak over after completing 42 consecutive days without recording a new confirmed case.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) made this known on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

According to the agencies, the 42-day period followed the discharge of Uganda’s last Ebola patient, an imported case, on July 16, 2026, marking the end of transmission.

They said: “The countdown represents twice the upper limit of Ebola’s incubation period and is the international benchmark for ending transmission.

“Uganda declared the outbreak on May 15, 2026, after detecting Ebola cases caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

“The country recorded 20 confirmed cases, including 15 imported cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

The agencies noted that five additional cases were locally recorded among contacts and health workers linked to imported infections, with authorities intensifying surveillance to contain further transmission.

The agencies added: “18 people recovered from the disease, while two people died during the outbreak.

“More than 800 contacts were identified and monitored throughout Uganda’s response to prevent further transmission.”

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The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, commended Uganda for demonstrating that Ebola outbreaks could be rapidly controlled through decisive action and strong public health measures.

Ghebreyesus highlighted preparedness, surveillance, case detection, and effective management at points of entry as essential measures for preventing outbreaks from spreading beyond affected communities.

The WHO boss stated: “Uganda’s response included rapid case confirmation, contact tracing, isolation, clinical care and strengthened infection prevention and control measures.

“Community engagement and enhanced surveillance in health facilities and at points of entry also supported the response”

Ghebreyesus advised countries against imposing travel and trade restrictions, including flight suspensions, border closures or denial of entry to travellers from affected countries.

“Instead, countries are encouraged to maintain proportionate public health measures supporting early detection, preparedness and cross-border cooperation,” he said.