Uganda has successfully discharged eight patients who recovered from Ebola, marking a positive step in the country’s battle against the deadly virus.
However, health authorities remain vigilant as at least 265 individuals who had contact with the initial case remain under quarantine, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng announced on Tuesday.
The latest outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of Ebola, was declared last month following the death of a male nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
While there is no approved vaccine for this particular strain, a clinical trial is currently underway to develop one.
“The eight patients who were undergoing treatment have all fully recovered and will be discharged today,” Aceng said at a press conference. She also confirmed that those in quarantine—spread across Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale—are being closely monitored for any signs of infection.
“None of these contacts have exhibited symptoms so far, though they will remain under quarantine for 21 days from their last exposure to the initial case,” she added.
Ebola is a highly infectious hemorrhagic disease transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Symptoms include fever, headaches, and muscle pain. While vaccines exist for the Zaire strain, which has been responsible for outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, none have yet been approved for the Sudan strain.
Health officials continue to track the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of containment measures to prevent further spread.
