Uganda Discharges Last Ebola Patient, 42-Day Countdown to be Declared Free Begins
The last Ebola patient in Uganda has been discharged from hospital, leaving the country with no active confirmed cases of the deadly virus, health officials announced.
A 42-day countdown now begins before Uganda can officially be declared Ebola-free, provided no new infections emerge.
The first case in this outbreak of the Bundibugyo species of Ebola was confirmed in May. The patient was a man who had travelled from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicentre of the outbreak, for medical treatment.
In total, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, mostly among visitors from the DRC, and two deaths. In the DRC, more than 2,000 confirmed infections and 796 deaths have been reported, according to government data.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described the discharge as 'a moment of joy.' He added, 'It demonstrates that with early detection, prompt treatment and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated.'
The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant. 'If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, seek immediate medical care,' it said in a statement.
