Uganda Discharges Last Ebola Case, Declaring It Ebola-Free

Uganda’s health ministry confirmed the discharge of the final patient infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, effectively ending the country’s active case list.

Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi celebrated the milestone as a “moment of joy” during a ceremony and urged citizens to remain cautious as the nation enters a 42‑day surveillance period before it can officially declare itself Ebola‑free.

The outbreak began in May when a traveler from the Democratic Republic of Congo was diagnosed; the infection subsequently spread to local contacts, culminating in 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities.

Officials stressed that early detection, prompt treatment and a robust health system were key to overcoming the disease and highlighted Uganda’s established protocols of isolation, contact tracing and targeted public‑health messaging.

Members of the public are urged to seek immediate medical care if they develop fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, as recommended by the ministry’s recent statement on X.

Meanwhile, the United States has extended travel restrictions for U.S. citizens who have been in the DRC, requiring a 21‑day quarantine in a third country before reentry.

The DRC outbreak has reported over 2,000 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths, with WHO experts suggesting the true figure may be higher than recorded.