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Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda (ex Democratic Republic of the Congo)

12 Jun 2019

On 11 June 2019 the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in Uganda. This is the first confirmed case in Uganda to be identified during the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The patient is a 5-year-old boy from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who travelled to Uganda with his family on 9th June 2019. He was initially seen at Kagando hospital before being to transferred to Bwera Hospital near the border with DRC for treatment. Other members of the family are being monitored.

Advice to travellers

When Ebola outbreaks occur, generally the risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola virus disease is extremely low.

Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.

For further information see Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.