Concerns Rise Over Uganda’s Ebola Sudan Outbreak Following Fatal Cases

A new Ebola Sudan outbreak in Uganda has been linked to the deaths of a boy, his mother, and newborn sibling under potentially undetected transmission conditions. The WHO reports 12 cases overall with increased concerns regarding the case-fatality rate and lapses in contact tracing. Health officials stress the need for immediate containment efforts.

An investigation into a recent Ebola Sudan case in Uganda has linked the death of a 4-year-old boy to his mother and newborn sibling, who died weeks earlier from probable Ebola infections. The boy received care starting February 15 but was confirmed posthumously to have had Ebola Sudan after passing away on February 24, raising concerns about potential transmission due to his visits to multiple healthcare facilities.

The mother gave birth at a Kampala hospital on January 23 and died on February 6, with the newborn dying a week later; however, no lab tests were conducted on either before their burials. They are now regarded as probable case-patients since they are connected to the confirmed Ebola case of the boy, bringing the outbreak total to 12 cases, including 10 confirmations and four deaths.

The boy was not identified as contact with any prior cases, prompting investigations to uncover how he contracted the virus. Currently, 201 new contacts have been traced. During mid-February, Uganda reported all Ebola patients discharged, which raised hopes of controlling the outbreak, but recent developments underscore the risk of unnoticed transmission, especially following delays in diagnosis.

Officials noted a previously low case-fatality rate (CFR) of 11.1%, significantly lower than earlier outbreaks with CFRs between 41% to 100%. However, the boy’s death, alongside that of his family members, has increased the CFR to 33.3%. The WHO highlighted weaknesses in contact tracing and surveillance, particularly concerning the lack of testing for the deceased family members.

Despite the absence of active cases and the discharge of all prior patients, the WHO emphasizes that there remains a critical opportunity to halt any ongoing transmission. This outbreak marks Uganda’s sixth involving Ebola Sudan and the first since 2022, highlighting the country’s experience in effectively managing such health crises.

The recent Ebola Sudan case in Uganda involving a young boy, alongside the deaths of his mother and sibling, raises significant concerns about potential undetected transmission. The outbreak total has reached 12 cases, with an increased case-fatality rate. While health officials express hope given their past successes in managing Ebola, the evident gaps in contact tracing and surveillance must be addressed urgently to prevent further spread of the virus.

Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu