Panic in Mbale as Five Admitted Amid Ebola Outbreak

Mbale, Uganda – Fear has gripped Mbale City after five people were admitted to Mbale City Health Center following a suspected Ebola outbreak. Among the admitted individuals, two are close relatives of a person who recently died from the virus and was buried in the city.

Shockingly, the relatives went ahead to exhume the body of the Ebola victim, who had been safely buried by Ministry of Health officials at Namagumba, claiming he was not buried according to Muslim cultural rites. This act has raised serious concerns about the potential spread of the deadly virus.

In response, health authorities have swiftly designated the facility as an Ebola treatment center to prevent further transmission. Medical teams are closely monitoring the admitted patients while intensifying contact tracing efforts.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health officials have camped in Mbale to control the worsening situation.

Health authorities have responded swiftly, designating the facility as an Ebola treatment center to prevent further spread. Medical teams are closely monitoring the admitted patients while contact tracing efforts intensify.

This outbreak follows a confirmed case in Kampala, where a 32-year-old nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital succumbed to the Sudan strain of Ebola on January 29, 2025. This marked the first recorded Ebola fatality in Uganda since the last outbreak ended in early 2023.

To combat the outbreak, Ugandan health officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, are preparing to roll out a trial Ebola vaccine. The initiative, which includes over 2,000 doses targeting the Sudan strain, awaits final regulatory approval.

The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines, including avoiding physical contact with suspected patients and maintaining strict hygiene measures. Authorities are also working to debunk misinformation surrounding the virus and its transmission.

The situation remains critical as efforts to contain the outbreak continue. More updates will follow as health officials monitor the spread and effectiveness of response measures.