Ebola outbreak: Uganda starts 42-day countdown to being declared free of the virus

The last patient being treated for Ebola in Uganda has been discharged from hospital, leaving the country with no active confirmed cases of the deadly disease.

A 42-day countdown now begins before Uganda can officially be declared Ebola-free, as long as no new infections emerge.

The first case in this outbreak of the Bundibugyo species of the virus in Uganda was confirmed in May. The patient was a man who had travelled from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the outbreak’s epicentre, for medical treatment.

In all, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, mostly among visitors from DR Congo, and two deaths.

There have been more than 2,000 confirmed infections and 796 deaths in DR Congo, according to government data.

Speaking after Uganda’s last Ebola patient left hospital, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described it as “a moment of joy”.

“It demonstrates that with early detection, prompt treatment and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated.”

Nevertheless, the ministry of health has urged people to “remain vigilant”.

“If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, seek immediate medical care,” it said in a statement on X.