Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak as the disease claims dozens of deaths in Congo

An outbreak of the highly infectious Ebola virus disease has been reported in Uganda after several deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Ugandan health ministry, citing Reuters, said the patient died in intensive care on May 14 after developing hemorrhagic symptoms. The case was an imported infection from the DRC.

On Friday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced a new Ebola outbreak in the remote Ituri province of Congo.

Nearly 250 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported in the Central African nation, mostly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

Four of the casualties were laboratory‑confirmed cases, the CDC confirmed in a statement. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation.

The CDC said it is working with national authorities and partners on a coordinated response, but expressed concern about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara.

The agency cited population movement, relocation caused by insecurity, gaps in contact listing, prevention and control challenges, and the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan.

Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya, assured that the public health body stands in solidarity with the government and people of DR Congo as they respond to the health crisis.

“We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response, and to help contain the outbreak as quickly as possible,” he added.

The agency is activating emergency operations mechanisms, digital surveillance and data management, cross‑border preparedness, laboratory coordination, and infection prevention and control.

Ebola, a severe and often fatal illness, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, or persons who have died from the disease.

The CDC advocates early detection, prompt isolation and care, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and safe and dignified burials.