Uganda has initiated a 42-day countdown toward being declared Ebola-free after discharging its final patient from an isolation unit. The patient's release from Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala on Thursday morning, July 16, triggered the mandatory waiting period required by the World Health Organisation (WHO) before an outbreak can be officially declared over.
WHO guidelines for declaring an outbreak over
Under WHO guidelines, a country may only be declared free of an Ebola outbreak if no new confirmed cases are recorded within 42 consecutive days following the recovery or death of the last patient. This period is twice the maximum incubation period for the virus, ensuring that any potential undetected transmission has been halted.
Uganda's outbreak statistics
Uganda's Ministry of Health reported 20 confirmed Ebola cases during the outbreak, comprising five locally acquired infections and 15 imported cases. The ministry's online dashboard further indicates that 17 patients recovered, while two people died. The outbreak was largely contained due to rapid response measures, including contact tracing and isolation.
Government statement on progress
Speaking on the progress, Ugandan government spokesperson Alan Kasujja confirmed that the discharge of the final patient initiated the WHO-mandated countdown. “When that happens, Uganda starts counting down. If 42 days pass without a single new case, WHO guidelines stipulate that we will be declared Ebola-free,” Mr Kasujja explained.
Ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meanwhile, the outbreak continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in May. According to Reuters, data released by the Congolese government on Wednesday showed the country has recorded 2,011 confirmed Ebola cases and 754 confirmed deaths. The DRC outbreak, which began in 2018, has been the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, exacerbated by conflict and community mistrust.
Regional implications and response
Uganda's success in containing the virus offers a contrast to the DRC's ongoing struggle. The Ugandan government implemented strict border surveillance and screening measures to prevent cross-border transmission. Health officials remain vigilant, as the 42-day countdown period requires sustained surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
