Uganda has discharged eight Ebola patients after they successfully recovered, though 265 individuals remain under strict quarantine, the country’s health minister announced on Tuesday.
The East African nation declared an Ebola outbreak last month following the death of a male nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. The latest outbreak has been attributed to the Sudan strain of the virus, for which no vaccine currently exists, though a trial programme is underway.
Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that the recovered patients had responded well to treatment and were released on Tuesday. However, authorities continue to monitor 265 individuals in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale, all of whom had contact with the index case.
“None of these contacts have exhibited symptoms so far, though they will remain under quarantine for 21 days from the time of their contact or exposure,” Aceng said.
Ebola, a highly infectious and often fatal haemorrhagic disease, is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. While vaccines exist for the Zaire strain, which has caused outbreaks in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, none are currently approved for the Sudan strain.
Health authorities remain vigilant as they continue efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
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