Uganda Celebrates Zero Ebola Cases

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:12:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Uganda's last Ebola patient discharged, ending 3‑year outbreak. Health minister celebrates while WHO warns of rising cases in DR Congo

Uganda has discharged its final Ebola victim, officially declaring the country virus‑free after 42 days of careful monitoring. The patient had travelled from the DR Congo epicentre, where the virus is spreading rapidly and claiming many lives. Health officials credit early detection, fast treatment and a prepared health system to this victory, but caution remains for any new infection. Meanwhile, the WHO urges more funding, noting that real infection numbers may be four times higher than reported. In contrast, the US has tightened travel rules for citizens returning from the Congo to curb potential spread.

Uganda Celebrates Zero Ebola Cases

When Uganda's last Ebola patient was discharged from the hospital, the nation breathed a collective sigh of relief. The 42‑day waiting period before a 5‑minute official announcement has now passed and the country is officially free of new confirmed cases.

The patient, a man who had come from the Congo for treatment, was the only one in Uganda since the outbreak began in May. Uganda’s rapid response, from screening to treatment, many agree set the tone.

Across the continent, the DR Congo remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with the WHO estimating that the real number of infections could be up to four times higher than the 2,000 confirmed cases. The United States has tightened travel restrictions for those returning from the region.

Health minister Chris Baryomunsi, at the discharge ceremony, called the ending of the outbreak a "moment of joy" and urged the public to stay vigilant. Symptoms such as fever, vomiting and unexplained bleeding should prompt immediate medical attention.

While Uganda stands clear of the virus, the region still faces struggle for medicine and testing. WHO is requesting $115m to help control the spread, of which only $45m has arrived so far.