Uganda’s Ebola Sudan Outbreak: Investigating New Fatal Cases and Risk of Transmission

A recent Ebola Sudan outbreak in Uganda has resulted in fatal cases, including a 4-year-old boy linked to his mother and newborn sibling, both of whom died earlier without testing. The WHO has reported a total of 12 cases with concerns regarding undetected transmission and the efficacy of surveillance efforts. Health officials stress the critical need to capitalize on the current opportunity to prevent further spread of the virus.

In Uganda, the recent Ebola Sudan outbreak has led to two additional fatal probable cases, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). A 4-year-old boy who passed away from the virus had connections to his mother and newborn sibling, both of whom died weeks prior under circumstances suggestive of Ebola virus infections. This situation raises concerns about the risk of further transmission of the disease.

The boy’s mother, who gave birth to the newborn on January 23, succumbed to an acute illness on February 6, while the baby died about a week later without undergoing laboratory testing. Both deceased individuals have been buried, and they are now classified as probable cases due to their association with the boy, whose infection was confirmed posthumously.

Currently, the outbreak accounts for 12 cases, with 10 confirmed infections and 4 related deaths. The boy had not been identified as a contact of earlier cases, prompting investigations to ascertain the source of his exposure. To date, 201 new contacts have been traced in relation to this latest infection.

Previously, in mid-February, Uganda had successfully discharged all Ebola patients, raising hopes of the outbreak’s resolution. However, these recent developments expose the ongoing risk of undetected transmission, particularly following the child’s movement between multiple healthcare facilities before a diagnosis was made. Despite a low case-fatality rate (CFR) of 11.1% earlier, the recent deaths have pushed the CFR to 33.3%, reflecting growing concern among health officials.

The WHO noted that the retrospective links to the initial outbreak suggest weaknesses in surveillance and contact tracing efforts. Moreover, the absence of testing on the deceased mother and sibling heightens the worry of overlooked cases. WHO emphasized the importance of the present moment, stating, “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 incident involving Ebola Sudan and is the first since 2022. Health officials in Uganda are noted for their experience in handling Ebola outbreaks, having received accolades from global health authorities in the past.

In conclusion, the ongoing Ebola Sudan outbreak in Uganda has resulted in three fatalities linked to a confirmed case involving a young boy. The implications of undetected transmission raise significant concerns, particularly regarding the effectiveness of past contact tracing and testing efforts. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action to prevent further infection and transmission of the virus within the community.

Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu