Uganda Begins 42-Day Ebola Countdown After Last Patient Leaves Care
Monday, 2026/07/20179 words3 minutes1961 reads
Uganda has commenced a 42-day countdown toward declaring its Ebola outbreak over after the last confirmed patient tested negative for the virus on two consecutive occasions and was discharged from medical care on July 16, 2026.
The patient departed from the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre in Kampala. Uganda's health authorities, in conjunction with the World Health Organization, emphasized that while the discharge represents a significant milestone, it does not signify the immediate conclusion of the outbreak.
Health workers will maintain rigorous active surveillance throughout the 42-day period. Should no new Ebola cases emerge during this timeframe, Uganda will be authorized to officially declare the outbreak over in accordance with international health protocols. The outbreak was initially declared on May 15, 2026, and by July 16, the country had documented 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities, according to World Health Organization data.
The outbreak was attributed to the Bundibugyo virus, a distinct strain of the Ebola virus. Health authorities have indicated their intention to continue monitoring developments in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Ebola transmission persists.
