Kenya: Press Release on the Reported Ebola (EVD) Outbreak in Mubende District – Uganda

The Ministry of Health has received an alert from the Ministry of Health in Uganda on the outbreak of Ebola in the country. This alert is in keeping with the East African Community Health protocols and further promotes good neighborliness. I take this opportunity to most sincerely thank the Government of Uganda and assure them of our highest regards as it moves to contain the outbreak.

According to the report from Ugandan authorities. the outbreak has been detected in Ngabano village of Madudu Sub County, Mubende District in Central Uganda. So far only one  fatal case has been reported,  a 24-year-old  male who died on  19^th September, 2022.

The victim had been treated for other symptoms before developing Ebola like symptoms and signs. Health officials in Uganda are currently conducting contact tracing to identify any close contacts of the deceased. Six suspicious prior deaths are currently under investigations.

Uganda has reported Ebola incidences in the past, largely influenced by frequent outbreaks in Democratic Republic of Congo. The two countries share a long common border that is mostly porous. It is important to note that there is substantial human traffic between Uganda and Kenya for trade and other socio-economic activities.

The main mode of transport is road, air and water (through Lake Victoria). Some of the formal land crossings include border points such as; Busia, Malaba, Lwakhakha, Suam and air travel through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport…