Uganda’s Ministry of Health declared an end to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Sudan ebolavirus on 11 January 2023. The outbreak affected nine districts and resulted in 164 cases (142 confirmed, 22 probable) and 77 deaths (55 among confirmed cases and 22 among probable cases). The declaration came 42 days after the last confirmed case tested negative on 29 November 2022.
Health authorities will maintain surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence of the disease. A follow-up program has been implemented to support survivors, and neighboring countries have been urged to remain vigilant and continue strengthening their capacities to detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.
The outbreak demonstrated that the re-emergence of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) is a major public health concern in Uganda. Strengthening surveillance capacities can help detect future outbreaks, preventing further spread. As licensed vaccines and therapeutics are currently unavailable for SUDV, WHO advises health authorities to maintain surveillance activities and neighboring countries to remain alert and continue strengthening their response capacities.
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