Situation Report: Global Response to the Ebola Outbreak

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Sudan Ebolavirus in Uganda

On October 5, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 63 confirmed and probable cases of the Sudan ebolavirus in Uganda. Of that number, there have been 29 deaths, including four health care workers. The outbreak has spread to five districts in Uganda, and cases are under investigation in South Sudan. Testing of a suspect case in Kenya has returned negative. The CDC has issued a level 2 travel alert, advising against non-essential travel to the region.

Ebola Vaccines

The vaccines that have proven effective against the Zaire ebolavirus (CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/clinicians/vaccine/index.html, Accessed 10/6/2022) are not effective against the Sudan ebolavirus. However, there are several vaccine candidates in the early stages of development and international efforts are underway to launch clinical trials of experimental vaccines in Uganda that would target the Sudan ebolavirus. 

Reminders for Health Care Workers in the U.S.

While international spread is currently low, it is important health care workers in the United States remain vigilant and screen patients with compatible symptoms, exposures, and recent travel history (CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/clinicians/evaluating-patients/index.html, Accessed 10/6/2022) consistent with the current outbreak. Health care facilities should implement the identify, isolate and inform process for early and rapid patient identification and implement appropriate infection prevention and control strategies.