Uganda Discharges Last Ebola Patient, Begins 42-Day Countdown to End Outbreak

Uganda has discharged its final Ebola patient, a Congolese national who recovered after receiving treatment at the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre. This discharge represents a crucial milestone in the nation's fight against the epidemic, but health officials caution that the outbreak is not yet officially over.

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The discharge of the last patient does not mean the outbreak is over. If no new case is detected during the 42-day countdown, Uganda will officially declare the outbreak over in line with international guidelines.

Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi stated that Uganda must now enter a mandatory 42-day countdown period, during which no new confirmed cases must be detected. Only after this period, in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, can the country formally declare the epidemic ended. The final patient had developed symptoms while in the Democratic Republic of Congo before being admitted for treatment in Uganda.

During the outbreak, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases. Fifteen of these infections were imported from the neighboring DRC, while five occurred among individuals already identified and quarantined within Uganda, effectively preventing wider community spread. Tragically, two Congolese patients died after seeking treatment at a late stage of the illness, resulting in a case fatality rate of 10 percent for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, which is considered among the lowest recorded rates for this particular strain.

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The country's specialised 80-bed isolation facility had continued to strengthen its capacity through experience gained from previous Ebola outbreaks.

Officials attribute the relatively contained outcome to early detection, prompt treatment, enhanced surveillance, and a robust national response system. Despite the discharge of the last patient, intensified monitoring continues, particularly in border districts and entry points near the DRC, where the virus remains active. Uganda is also engaging with countries that imposed travel restrictions during the outbreak to restore normal movement and trade.

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Uganda's response reflected years of investment in epidemic preparedness, including trained emergency response teams, laboratory capacity and established treatment facilities.