'Moment of joy' as Uganda discharges last Ebola patient

'Moment of joy' as Uganda discharges last Ebola patient Uganda’s final Ebola patient has left hospital, leaving the country with no active cases of the virus. A 42‑day observation period now begins, after which Uganda may be declared Ebola‑free provided no new infections appear. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, was first confirmed in May when a male patient who had travelled from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo for medical care tested positive. In total, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, most of them involving visitors from DR Congo, and two deaths. According to official data, DR Congo has experienced more than 2,000 confirmed infections and 796 deaths during the same period. Speaking after the patient’s discharge, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi called the development “a moment of joy”. “It demonstrates that with early detection, timely attention and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated,” he said. The ministry of health nevertheless urged the public to “remain vigilant”. “If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, seek immediate medical care,” the ministry stated in a post on X.