Congolese Nationals Drive Ebola Cases in Uganda, Ministry Data Reveals

Statistics from Uganda’s Ministry of Health indicate that nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) represent the leading group among Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases reported in Uganda. Out of a total of nine cumulative cases, at least five are individuals from the DRC who sought medical attention in Uganda.

The initial cases are linked to a Congolese woman who arrived in Uganda on April 10 for treatment, followed by a male Congolese national on April 11. The woman traveled from Arua to Entebbe before receiving care at a private hospital in Kampala, where she was initially treated and discharged. Tragically, Ugandan medical workers treated her without initially knowing she had Ebola, leading to their exposure.

Concerns were raised after a Congolese man with similar symptoms died at Kibuli Muslim Hospital on May 14. Subsequent tests confirmed he had the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease. This 59-year-old man was admitted with severe respiratory distress, fever, and bleeding complications before his death.

Following these discoveries, over 100 healthcare workers and contacts exposed to the patients in Uganda have been placed under quarantine. Some of these individuals have since tested positive while in isolation. On May 25, two new cases involving Ugandan health workers at a Kampala private facility were confirmed.

Health officials are urging heightened vigilance. Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, emphasized the importance of infection prevention for all healthcare staff and appealed to the public to immediately report anyone exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility, stressing that early detection significantly improves survival rates and curbs further spread.

As of the latest reports, no new cases have been reported as the country intensifies efforts to prevent importation from the ongoing outbreak in the DRC.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)