Ugandan Ebola outbreak caused by Sudan Virus

Ebola

On 20 September 2022, Uganda health authorities declared an outbreak of Ebola disease, caused by Sudan virus, following laboratory confirmation of a patient from a village in Madudu sub-county, Mubende district, central Uganda

This is the first Ebola disease outbreak caused by Sudan virus (SUDV) in Uganda since 2012.

As of 25 September 2022, a cumulative number of 36 cases (18 confirmed and 18 probable cases) have been reported from Mubende (14 confirmed and 18 probable), Kyegegwa (three confirmed cases) and Kassanda (one confirmed case) districts. Twenty-three deaths have been recorded, of which five were among confirmed cases (CFR among confirmed cases 28 per cent). Of the total confirmed and suspected cases, 62 per cent are female and 38 per cent are male. There are currently 13 confirmed cases hospitalised. The median age of the cases is 26 years (range 1 year to 60 years). A cumulative number of 223 contacts have been listed.

Ebola disease is now sub-categorised depending on the causative virus. Outbreaks of Ebola disease caused by Sudan virus are named Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreaks. Prior to May 2019, all viruses causing Ebola disease were grouped together. Based on the results of laboratory tests, this outbreak is caused by Sudan virus.

SVD is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans. Sudan virus was first reported in southern Sudan in June 1976, since then the virus has emerged periodically and up to now, seven outbreaks caused by SUDV have been reported, four in Uganda and three in Sudan. The estimated case fatality ratios of SVD have varied from 41 per cent to 100 per cent in past outbreaks.

Public health response

  • The Ministry of Health (MOH) established a National Task Force, with the World Health Organization (WHO) providing technical support
  • An Incidence Management Team was activated both within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the WHO country office
  • A MOH Incident Commander has been deployed to Mubende District to support response efforts in the affected region
  • WHO is supporting the orientation of the leadership at the Regional Referral Hospital and the district health team on early identification and case management
  • A response plan is being developed and priority actions have been identified.