Uganda Denies Active Ebola Cases After Reported Infection in Nigeria
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has denied having any confirmed active Ebola cases following reports of an infection involving a Nigerian woman who travelled to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for business.
In a statement signed by Director General of Health, Professor Charles Olaro on Tuesday, the ministry said preliminary information indicated that the woman passed through Uganda in early October without showing symptoms before developing them after arriving in Nigeria.
Olaro further stressed that the woman’s transit through Uganda did not establish that she contracted the virus in the country.
“The location of exposure remains under investigation,” the ministry stated, adding that it was awaiting further details from Nigerian authorities to support ongoing investigations.
Uganda Awaits Details From Nigerian Authorities
The Ugandan health authorities said the Nigerian government had yet to provide detailed information about the woman’s travel itinerary and clinical history.
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According to the statement, the information would help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the reported infection and determine whether contact tracing or other public health measures were necessary.
The ministry emphasised that the available information was insufficient to determine where the woman might have been exposed to the virus.
Health Authorities to Strengthen Border Screening
As part of its response, Uganda’s Ministry of Health said it would work with relevant agencies to strengthen health screening and other public health measures at the country’s points of entry.
The ministry noted that limited provisions had been maintained for humanitarian and diplomatic movements, adding that further measures would be implemented to enhance public health surveillance.
It also urged residents to remain calm while observing basic hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and the use of sanitiser.
Public Urged to Rely on Verified Information
Reassuring the public about the country’s reported Ebola status, the ministry stated: “As at the time of this statement, Uganda has NO confirmed active Ebola cases.”
It urged the public to remain vigilant without spreading unverified information, promising to provide further updates through its official communication channels.
However, Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease.
