Ebola Outbreak in Uganda: First Fatality Since 2023 Prompts Immediate Response

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A nurse in Kampala, Uganda, has died from Ebola, marking the first fatality from the virus since the last outbreak ended in January 2023. The nurse sought care at multiple health facilities before testing positive for Ebola. This new case has sparked immediate concern among health officials, leading to the activation of the national incident management system to initiate response activities.

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The Ebola virus responsible for this outbreak is the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV), which was confirmed through lab tests from three national health facilities. The nurse's death is a significant event as it represents the first recorded fatality since the previous outbreak, which saw 142 confirmed cases and 55 confirmed deaths.

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Uganda has previously experienced outbreaks of Ebola, with the most recent one declared over on January 11, 2023. This new case highlights the ongoing risk and the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the country's health system. Global health agencies have previously outlined plans to support Uganda's government-led response to such outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and investment in public health infrastructure.

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