Uganda Starts 42-Day Ebola-Free Countdown After Discharging Last of 20 Confirmed Cases
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 16
Uganda Starts 42-Day Ebola-Free Countdown After Discharging Last of 20 Confirmed Cases
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 16
Summary
Uganda has no active confirmed Ebola cases after discharging its last patient, triggering the 42-day waiting period required before the country can be declared Ebola-free.
20 confirmed cases and 2 deaths were recorded in the outbreak, which began in May after an infected man traveled from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo for treatment.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi credited early detection, prompt treatment and established response protocols, but the ministry still urged people to report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained bleeding.
DR Congo remains the regional epicenter with more than 2,000 confirmed infections and 796 deaths, while a WHO official said this week the true caseload could be four times higher.
The cross-border risk has already prompted tighter US entry rules for travelers from DR Congo, underscoring why Uganda must avoid any new infections during the countdown.
With its Ebola outbreak contained, why does the US still list Uganda alongside North Korea on its 'do not travel' list?
Uganda controlled its outbreak in two months. Why is the same crisis escalating just across the border in the DRC?
As Oxford trials a new Ebola vaccine, are widespread travel bans an outdated response to modern outbreaks?
Uganda’s 42-Day Countdown to Ebola-Free Status: Lessons from the Bundibugyo Strain and Regional Response
Overview
As of July 16, 2026, Uganda is close to being declared Ebola-free after a recent outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain. Since mid-May, the country confirmed 20 cases, with most infections traced to people who contracted the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before traveling to Uganda. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak. A major milestone was reached when the last patient in Uganda was discharged from treatment, marking the start of the 42-day countdown required to declare the end of the outbreak. This progress highlights Uganda’s strong response and ongoing vigilance.