WHO, Africa CDC Declare Uganda Ebola Outbreak Over

Uganda's Ebola outbreak has officially ended, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring the transmission stopped. The declaration came after the country achieved 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case, a period twice the virus's incubation period.

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The countdown represents twice the upper limit of Ebola’s incubation period and is the international benchmark for ending transmission.

The outbreak, which began in May 2026, was linked to the Bundibugyo virus and involved 20 confirmed cases. Of these, 15 were imported from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while five were locally acquired, including among health workers. The outbreak resulted in two deaths and 18 recoveries.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus praised Uganda's swift and decisive response, highlighting the effectiveness of strong public health measures, preparedness, and surveillance. He noted that rapid case confirmation, contact tracing, isolation, clinical care, and infection prevention were crucial. Ghebreyesus also advised against travel and trade restrictions, encouraging proportionate public health measures instead.

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Uganda’s response included rapid case confirmation, contact tracing, isolation, clinical care and strengthened infection prevention and control measures.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya echoed these sentiments, calling Uganda's achievement an important lesson for Africa. He urged continued efforts to interrupt transmission in the DRC, where the outbreak remains a regional concern. The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, stressed the importance of sustained investment in preparedness to strengthen Uganda's ability to combat future public health threats.

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Uganda had demonstrated that Ebola could be stopped through decisive leadership and strong public health systems.