Ebola: Uganda records four recoveries one more death

KAMPALA - Uganda has discharged four Ebola patients after full recovery, but recorded one more Ebola-related death and three new infections, bringing the country's total confirmed cases to 19, the Ministry of Health said on Friday.

The growing number of recoveries, according to experts, demonstrates the importance of early detection, isolation and treatment in improving survival chances among Ebola patients.

Meanwhile, the latest fatality, a Congolese national, raises the death toll to two. The three newly confirmed cases, contacts of previous Ebola patients, have been under institutional quarantine for several days at the time of diagnosis.

Despite the rise in infections, health authorities reported encouraging progress in patient recovery, with four individuals successfully completing treatment and being discharged.

"Four patients and 270 contacts have successfully recovered and been discharged," the Ministry of Health said in its latest update.

According to the ministry, the three new cases were not unexpected, as they emerged from a group of contacts who had already been identified and placed under quarantine following exposure to confirmed patients.

Health experts say the detection of infections among known contacts rather than through unexplained community transmission suggests that surveillance and contact-tracing systems are effectively identifying people at risk.

As part of efforts to strengthen public awareness and counter misinformation, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, on June 5, met officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo Consulate and representatives of the Congolese community living in Uganda.

The meeting aimed at providing an update on the Ebola situation and mobilising community leaders to support government efforts in combating myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease.

The Ministry of Health said community engagement remains critical in encouraging early reporting of symptoms, supporting contact tracing and reducing stigma against affected individuals.

UAE tightens travel measures

Meanwhile, the outbreak has attracted international attention, prompting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to introduce new precautionary measures affecting travellers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Under the measures, all new visas for nationals of the three countries have been suspended, while additional entry restrictions will apply to travellers arriving from the affected nations.

The UAE said the decision forms part of its preparedness strategy against potential Ebola outbreaks and will take effect on June 6.

Despite the outbreak and the international travel restrictions announced by the UAE, Ugandan authorities maintain that the situation remains under control.

"The country remains safe and open for all," the Ministry of Health said.

Officials noted that ongoing surveillance, contact tracing and treatment efforts continue to play a key role in containing the outbreak, while urging the public to remain vigilant and seek information only from verified sources.