Fresh infections linked to Congo outbreak push Uganda’s total cases to five amid intensified health surveillance…..
Uganda has confirmed three additional cases of Ebola, raising the total number of infections recorded in the country to five since the outbreak was officially detected on May 15.
The latest update was announced on Saturday by Uganda’s Ministry of Health, which said the new patients include a Ugandan truck driver, a health worker, and a woman from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a deadly Ebola outbreak has continued to spread concern across the region.
In a statement shared on X, the ministry said authorities were stepping up efforts to prevent further transmission of the virus.
“The ministry continues to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and public awareness efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the health and safety of all Ugandans,” the statement read.
The development comes barely 24 hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the risk level of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC to its highest category, warning of increasing regional threats as cross-border movement continues.
Uganda had earlier confirmed two Ebola-related cases involving Congolese nationals who reportedly crossed into the country through the shared border. One of the cases resulted in death.
Following the initial infections, Ugandan authorities on Thursday announced the suspension of all public transportation between Uganda and the DRC in a bid to curb the spread of the highly infectious disease.
Health officials are now intensifying screening procedures at border points and monitoring individuals who may have come in contact with infected persons.
The resurgence of Ebola in the region has renewed fears of a wider public health crisis, particularly in border communities with frequent movement between both countries.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral illness transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons. Symptoms commonly include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, report suspected symptoms immediately, and avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas as containment efforts continue.
