Uganda Confirms Two New Ebola Cases, Total Nine Detected

Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed two new Ebola cases on Friday (29 May), bringing the cumulative total to nine cases including one death. Both cases involve Congolese nationals, with one displaying symptoms and isolated, the other identified as a close contact of a previously confirmed case. The ministry stated all contacts of the new cases have been identified and are under strict monitoring.

In response, Uganda closed its border with the DRC earlier this week and mandated a 21-day quarantine for all arrivals from the neighbouring country. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first recovery from the DRC outbreak, with a patient discharged after two negative tests. Africa CDC announced accelerated development of a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, expected to be distributed by year-end.

WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visiting the DRC amid ongoing violence from armed groups such as M23 rebels, which complicates containment efforts. Uganda’s health ministry has also banned handshakes to prevent transmission, while Canada has imposed a 21-day quarantine for its citizens returning from DRC under a policy effective from 30 May until 29 August.