Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak After Traveler Death, Cases Rise to Seven
Uganda confirmed an Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo virus) on May 15, 2026, after a Congolese traveler died in Kampala. Cases have since risen to seven, including Ugandan health workers. The outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where suspected cases near 1,000 with over 220 deaths. Uganda closed its border with the DRC on May 27 and deployed screening, surveillance, and contact tracing to contain the virus. No local transmission has been confirmed, but the risk remains high due to Kampala’s dense population.
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Congo and Uganda report 263 confirmed Ebola cases with 43 deaths, Africa CDC says
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 263 confirmed Ebola cases and 43 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as of May 30, 2026. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, with over 1,100 suspected cases still under investigation. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya, in an FT op-ed, urged rapid activation of national incident systems and permanent investments in pandemic preparedness. He emphasized that international support must align with African-led strategies. The outbreak, the 17th in DRC and third-largest since Ebola's discovery, is outpacing global response efforts. Health officials report shortages of basic supplies like masks, and the outbreak went undetected for weeks. The World Health Organization has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uganda closes border with Congo as rare Ebola type cases surge
Ugandan authorities ordered the immediate closure of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 27, 2026, following a surge in cases of a rare type of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in Congo and rising exposures in Uganda. The decision was made by a local Ebola task force led by Vice President Jesca Alupo after health workers in Uganda were exposed to Ebola by Congolese patients who crossed the border before the outbreak was declared on May 15. Uganda has reported seven Ebola cases, including the first death of a 59-year-old man in Kampala on May 14. While Uganda's case load is not spiking, the number of exposed locals via health workers has been rising. In eastern Congo, suspected Ebola cases are nearing 1,000 with at least 220 suspected deaths.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uganda confirms two new Ebola cases, total reaches seven
Uganda's health ministry confirmed two new Ebola cases on Monday, bringing the total to seven since the outbreak was detected on May 15. The new cases are Ugandan health workers at a private facility in Kampala, who have been admitted to a treatment unit. Contact tracing is underway, and the ministry urged citizens to report symptoms. The World Health Organization reported over 900 suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the outbreak's epicenter. Last week, Uganda suspended public transport to the DRC after confirming two cases involving Congolese nationals. Three further cases were confirmed on Saturday, including a Ugandan driver, a Ugandan health worker, and a woman from the DRC. Ebola is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uganda Confirms Two New Ebola Cases in Kampala
The Ugandan Ministry of Health has confirmed two new cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala, both involving health workers at a private healthcare facility. The patients have been admitted to an isolation unit, and public health teams are conducting contact tracing to prevent community spread. The Director General of Health Services, Dr Olaro Charles, urged the public to report symptoms immediately. The outbreak in Kampala, a city of over 1.5 million, poses a significant challenge due to the virus's high transmissibility. Uganda previously contained a major Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in 2023 and is leveraging its rapid response mechanisms to contain this new cluster.
| MonitorUganda Confirms Three New Ebola Cases, Total Reaches Five
Uganda reported three additional confirmed cases of Ebola on Saturday, raising the total number of infections to five since the outbreak was first detected in the East African nation on May 15. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the country's fight against the deadly virus, which has historically caused severe outbreaks in the region. Health authorities are likely ramping up surveillance, contact tracing, and containment measures to prevent further spread. The source of the outbreak and the specific strain of Ebola have not been detailed in this report. The development underscores ongoing public health challenges in Uganda and neighboring countries, where Ebola outbreaks have occurred periodically.
Africanews RSSUganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak After Death of Traveler from DRC
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has officially confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease following the death of a 59-year-old man in the capital city of Kampala. The victim, identified as a Congolese national, was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital on May 11 and passed away three days later. His body has since been repatriated to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health authorities tested samples taken during his treatment and confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Officials emphasized that this is an imported case originating from the neighboring DRC, where a major outbreak has already been declared with 65 suspected deaths. As of now, Uganda has not confirmed any local transmission cases. In response to the confirmation, the Ugandan government has deployed extensive screening measures, surveillance systems, and rapid response protocols to prevent further spread. The announcement highlights the ongoing regional health challenges posed by Ebola variants in Central and East Africa, necessitating cross-border cooperation and vigilant public health monitoring to contain potential epidemics.
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