WHO confirms Ebola outbreak in Uganda as health worker dies

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WHO confirms Ebola outbreak in Uganda as health worker dies

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan virus disease, SVD, a deadly strain of Ebola, in Uganda, following the death of a health worker in the capital, Kampala.

Authorities reported that the victim, a nurse, died after seeking medical treatment for fever-like symptoms.

The WHO has warned that the presence of the virus in a densely populated urban area requires an urgent and intensive response.

Although no other health workers or patients have shown symptoms so far, officials have identified 45 contacts who are now under close monitoring.

In response, the WHO has deployed senior public health experts and allocated $1 million from its emergency contingency fund to support Uganda’s efforts in containing the outbreak.

There are currently no licensed vaccines for Sudan virus disease, but the WHO is coordinating with developers to fast-track potential vaccine deployment once regulatory approvals are secured.

This marks Uganda’s sixth outbreak of the Sudan virus, with the last recorded case in 2022.