The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan virus disease in Uganda, a deadly illness from the Ebola virus family.
According to NEWS BULLETIN, Ugandan health authorities reported that one patient, a nurse, succumbed to the disease after seeking treatment at multiple medical facilities for fever-like symptoms.
In response, WHO is working closely with national health authorities to contain and eliminate the outbreak. Teams from WHO’s country office, along with senior public health experts, are being deployed to assist with key response measures.
To accelerate early action, WHO has allocated $1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Currently, 45 contacts, including healthcare workers and family members, are under close monitoring. Given that the case emerged in a densely populated urban area, WHO emphasized the need for a swift and comprehensive response.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Uganda’s prompt declaration of the outbreak. He affirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the government and its partners in identifying and isolating cases, controlling the virus’s spread, and protecting the population.
“Uganda’s strong expertise in handling public health emergencies will be vital in effectively ending this outbreak,” Dr Moeti stated.
