Situation Report: Last Known Ebola Patient Discharged in Uganda

Share this article

Zero Ebola Patients in Uganda

Uganda discharged its last known Ebola patient last week, raising hopes that the outbreak might be coming to an end. As of December 4, there have been 142 confirmed cases and at least 20 probable cases, including 55 confirmed deaths. The last confirmed case was a stillborn on November 27, born to a mother who had previously recovered from Ebola.

The Ebola Outbreak Is Not Over Yet

The World Health Organization recommends waiting 42 days from the last potential exposure to the last case—twice the incubation period—before declaring the end to an Ebola outbreak. While contact tracing rates have remained high recently, there may still be undocumented cases in the community that could reignite this outbreak.

Reflecting on the Ugandan Response to the Outbreak

The Ugandan government’s response, including rapid mobilization of health care workers, surveillance and contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, and other interventions, has worked to control this outbreak. 

It’s an encouraging reminder that swift local response, as well as cooperation between international agencies to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks, can lead to a rapid decrease in cases.

Resources for Health Care Workers