Investigation Reveals Additional Fatal Cases in Uganda’s Ebola Sudan Outbreak
An investigation into a recent Ebola Sudan case in Uganda reveals two probable deaths linked to a 4-year-old boy. The boy’s mother and newborn sibling died without testing, contributing to a total of 12 cases with 10 confirmed and four fatalities in this outbreak. Health officials emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance to prevent further transmission.
An investigation into the Ebola Sudan outbreak in Uganda has revealed two probable cases linked to a deceased 4-year-old boy. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the boy’s mother and newborn sibling died weeks earlier from likely Ebola infections. Despite receiving initial care on February 15, the boy’s condition deteriorated and he was confirmed to have the virus after his death on February 24, raising concerns about potential further transmission.
The mother had given birth on January 23 and died on February 6 due to an acute illness, while the newborn passed away approximately one week later. Neither individual underwent laboratory tests before their burials. As a result, both are classified as probable cases due to their connection with the 4-year-old.
Currently, the outbreak totals 12 cases, of which 10 are confirmed, and there have been four fatalities linked to the outbreak. Interestingly, the boy was not recognized as a contact of earlier cases, prompting health officials to investigate his exposure. As part of their response, 201 new contacts have already been identified.
In February, Uganda had reported the discharge of all Ebola patients, instilling hope that the outbreak was subsiding. However, recent developments underscore the possibility of undetected transmission, especially given the challenges of prompt diagnosis and the boy’s movement across various healthcare facilities.
Health officials have indicated that the case-fatality rate (CFR), which initially stood at 11.1%, has now risen to 33.3% following the deaths of the boy and his family. The WHO has highlighted significant gaps in contact tracing and surveillance, particularly in relation to the testing of the deceased mother and infant, which could have disclosed missed cases of the virus.
Lastly, according to the WHO, “With no active cases currently in admission and all previous patients discharged, there is a critical window of opportunity to interrupt transmission.” This outbreak marks Uganda’s sixth involving Ebola Sudan and is its first since 2022. The country possesses considerable experience in managing such outbreaks and has historically received commendation from global health authorities.
The investigation of Uganda’s Ebola Sudan outbreak has uncovered two probable cases associated with a reported fatality. The deaths of the boy’s mother and newborn sibling without testing emphasize the risks of undetected transmission and highlight deficiencies in contact tracing. As the country seeks to interrupt transmission during this critical period, ongoing vigilance and improved surveillance are essential to prevent further outbreaks.
Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu
