In brief
A 42‑day countdown began in Uganda following the discharge of the last confirmed Ebola patient, heralding the country’s momentary freedom from the virus. Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi marked the event as a “moment of joy”, noting that early detection and rapid treatment proved decisive. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains battling a growing outbreak, prompting the WHO to call for urgent funding and travel restrictions for affected travelers. With a total of 20 confirmed cases and two deaths in Uganda, the world watches how containment measures in the region will shape future epidemic responses.
The last patient treated for Ebola in Uganda was discharged from hospital, ending the country’s record of active confirmed cases.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described the milestone as a "moment of joy" at a ceremony announced across the nation.
This outbreak began in May when a traveller from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where nearly 800 people have died, was confirmed as the first case. Since then, Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, most linked to cross‑border movement.
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the global situation now the third‑largest on record, with spread in DR Congo accelerating fast—80 % of new cases stemming from previously unknown contagion chains.
The Ugandan health ministry has begun a 42‑day countdown that will allow the country to be declared Ebola‑free, provided no new infections arise. In the meantime, citizens are urged to remain alert, seeking care instantly if they exhibit fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding.
Globally, the outbreak’s toll in DR Congo far exceeds headline figures. Official data count over 2,000 cases and 796 deaths, but WHO estimates deaths may be four times higher due to under‑reporting from hard‑to‑reach communities.
With no current vaccine or approved therapy for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain spreading in Congo, WHO seeks $115 million—an urgent plea reiterated by Tedros as an investment in national security rather than charity.
In response to the outbreak, the United States imposed travel restrictions on citizens returning from DR Congo, requiring a mandatory 21‑day quarantine in a third country before they can enter the U.S. This measure raises concerns for international medical volunteers and operational scales.
