Investigation Reveals Fatal Ebola Cases in Uganda’s Ongoing Outbreak

A 4-year-old boy’s death due to Ebola Sudan in Uganda is linked to earlier fatalities of his mother and newborn sibling. The country is currently experiencing its sixth Ebola Sudan outbreak, with rising case-fatality rates and concerns about transmission and surveillance effectiveness. The WHO has raised alarms regarding potential undetected cases, emphasizing the need for improved health responses.

An investigation into the recent Ebola Sudan outbreak in Uganda has identified a 4-year-old boy as a probable case, following his death. His mother and newborn sibling had previously died from likely Ebola infections, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This raises concerns about potential additional transmissions and the effectiveness of current health measures in place.

The boy’s mother gave birth at a hospital in Kampala on January 23, ultimately passing away on February 6 due to an acute illness. The newborn also succumbed about a week later. No laboratory tests were performed on either individual, and both have since been buried. The WHO now classifies both as probable case-patients due to their connection with the confirmed Ebola case of the 4-year-old.

The cumulative number of cases during this outbreak has reached 12, with 10 confirmed instances, and four deaths linked to the outbreak. Of significant concern is the fact that the boy was not known to have been in contact with prior cases, prompting investigations into how he contracted the virus. To date, 201 new contacts have been identified as part of the health response.

In February, Uganda’s health authorities had successfully discharged all Ebola patients, instilling a sense of hope regarding the end of the outbreak. However, the emergence of new cases demonstrates the ongoing risk of unrecognized transmission, exacerbated by a delayed diagnosis and the child’s movement across multiple healthcare facilities.

Despite a previous low case-fatality rate of 11.1%, the CFR has now escalated to 33.3% following these recent deaths. The WHO emphasizes the importance of improving contact tracing and surveillance due to the retrospective link identified to the primary outbreak cluster. The absence of required testing for the deceased mother and baby raises alarms about undetected cases.

The outbreak marks Uganda’s sixth involving Ebola Sudan and the first since 2022. Health officials in the country have a history of effectively managing Ebola outbreaks, drawing admiration from global health authorities for their expertise.

The recent developments in Uganda’s Ebola Sudan outbreak underscore the potential for further transmission, given the death of a young boy alongside his mother and sibling. The situation highlights significant gaps in the existing contact tracing and surveillance system. As health officials continue to respond to this challenge, the increase in the case-fatality rate emphasizes a critical need for enhanced precautions and continued monitoring to prevent further spread of the virus.

Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu