Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patient, leaving the country free of active confirmed cases and starting a 42-day countdown before an official declaration of being Ebola-free.

Uganda’s Bundibugyo outbreak involved 20 confirmed cases, largely among visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and resulted in two deaths.

No new Ebola cases have been reported in Uganda since late June, while neighboring Congo reported a surge with more than 2,000 total cases and hundreds of deaths, though true figures may be higher.

Analysts note broader regional instability and underfunded healthcare, which complicate contact tracing and efforts to prevent further spread.

DRC’s new outbreak roadmap emphasizes early detection, complete contact follow-up, rapid access to care, protection for health workers, and trusted community engagement.

Authorities urge vigilance and prompt medical care for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding.

Africa CDC officials say response capacity must be accelerated to reach affected communities quickly and break transmission.

DR Congo faces ongoing challenges including a fragile health system, conflict, and staff strikes over late pay, which hinder containment efforts.

WHO notes the DRC outbreak is rapidly growing, likening transmission to a fire driven by factors sustaining spread.

Uganda credits preparedness investments—treatment facilities, trained teams, and pre-positioned supplies—for rapid response and low mortality, and plans to participate in ongoing vaccine studies for Bundibugyo Ebola.

Global efforts include vaccine development, with Oxford University testing a Phase I BD-Ebov vaccine; Uganda expresses willingness to join trials when opportunities arise.