Uganda’s confirmed new Ebola outbreak

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda has increased to nine, up from three, the country’s health ministry announced late Monday.

Uganda declared an outbreak of the deadly viral infection late last month, with the Sudan strain of Ebola identified as the cause. Unlike the Zaire strain, which was behind recent outbreaks in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, there is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain.

According to the health ministry, one person has died from the virus, while seven patients are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in the capital, Kampala. Another case has been reported in the eastern city of Mbale, near the Kenyan border. All eight surviving patients are in stable condition, officials said.

Authorities have placed 265 individuals who came into contact with confirmed cases under quarantine as part of containment efforts.

Meanwhile, Uganda has launched a trial vaccination program against the Sudan strain, with support from the World Health Organization. While existing Ebola vaccines target the Zaire strain, the trial aims to develop an effective preventive measure for future outbreaks of the Sudan variant.

The government has urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures as health teams work to contain the spread of the virus.