Uganda Confirms Ebola Cases at Border as WHO Reassures Support for Containment Efforts

Uganda has confirmed new Ebola infections linked to a cross-border outbreak, prompting heightened surveillance along its western frontier with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the virus is also spreading. Health authorities say the cases are part of a wider regional outbreak driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

According to health updates, Uganda has recorded multiple confirmed cases in recent weeks, some of them connected to contacts who moved across the porous border before containment measures were fully enforced. The outbreak has already resulted in infections and fatalities in both Uganda and the neighbouring DRC, where the situation remains more severe.

Ugandan officials have responded by tightening border monitoring, expanding contact tracing, and increasing isolation capacity in affected districts. The government has also intensified public health messaging in communities near border crossings, where informal movement remains a concern for transmission control.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its commitment to supporting Uganda and regional partners in managing the outbreak. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of coordinated action, sustained funding, and stronger surveillance systems to prevent further spread across borders.

WHO has also launched a large-scale response plan aimed at strengthening outbreak control measures in both Uganda and the DRC, including improved border screening, medical logistics support, and community engagement to reduce transmission risks.

Health experts warn that the outbreak remains difficult to control due to delayed detection, insecurity in some affected areas, and limited treatment options for the circulating Ebola strain. However, authorities maintain that early isolation, contact tracing, and community cooperation are helping to slow transmission.

Uganda continues to work closely with international health agencies as surveillance efforts intensify to prevent further cross-border spread of the disease.

Source Daily monitor