Alerts

In a significant milestone in Uganda's fight against the Ebola Sudan virus, all eight patients who had been hospitalized for treatment have been discharged after testing negative twice for the virus in tests conducted 72 hours apart. The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for Africa has confirmed this development, describing it as an important step in controlling the outbreak.

The patients had been receiving treatment in the capital city, Kampala, and in Mbale. Despite their discharge, health officials continue to monitor 216 to 265 individuals who remain in quarantine due to potential exposure. Uganda’s Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, confirmed the recovery of the eight patients and urged communities to welcome them without stigma.  If no new cases are confirmed in the next 42 days, the outbreak can be declared over.
 

A lower fatality rate compared to previous outbreaks

The outbreak, which began in late January, marked Uganda’s first Ebola Sudan outbreak since 2022 and the world's ninth recorded instance of the virus. Historically, Uganda has experienced eight Ebola outbreaks since the first recorded case in 2000.

The outbreak has resulted in a total of nine cases and one death, which involved the index patient, a 32-year-old male nurse who worked at a referral hospital in Kampala. The case-fatality rate (CFR) stands at 11.1%, significantly lower than previous outbreaks, where the CFR ranged between 41% and 100%.

The Sudan strain of the Ebola virus is a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain. However, Uganda responded swiftly to the outbreak by launching a trial of a candidate Ebola Sudan vaccine earlier this month.

Swift response from health authorities and partners

Uganda’s response to the outbreak has been supported by various health organizations, including the WHO, which deployed 47 experts and delivered seven tons of emergency medical supplies to aid the country’s efforts. WHO Representative in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, emphasized that while the discharge of the patients is a positive development, efforts to completely halt the outbreak are ongoing.

The WHO reiterated that the Sudan strain of Ebola is severe, typically killing at least 40% of those infected, making the lower fatality rate in this outbreak a notable success.

Sources:

WHO: Uganda discharges all eight Ebola disease patients 

CIDRAP: Remaining patients discharged in Uganda's Ebola Sudan outbreak

BBC: Uganda discharges Ebola patients

New Vision: Uganda discharges all eight Ebola patients, health minister says

Daily Monitor: Joy as 8 Ebola patients are discharged

About Ebola

Ebola: Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and control

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and key partners, has launched the world’s first vaccine trial for the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. This landmark trial, initiated just four days after the outbreak was confirmed on January 30, marks an unprecedented pace for a randomized vaccine study in an emergency setting.

Leading the trial are principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), supported by WHO and other partners. The trial aims to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan, demonstrating the impact of advanced research preparedness while ensuring strict adherence to national and international regulatory and ethical standards.

The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI, with financial backing from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also provided critical support.

Read more:

WHO:  Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda 

IAVI: First participants vaccinated with IAVI’s Ebola Sudan vaccine candidate in Uganda amid Ebola outbreak

Ebola: Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and control

Tanzania is expected to experience unusually heavy rainfall in its central to southern regions between February 4 and 11, 2025. At the same time, the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) region will likely see warmer-than-average temperatures, according to the latest weather forecasts from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).

During this period, moderate rainfall ranging between 50 and 200 millimeters is expected across most parts of Burundi and central to southern Tanzania. In contrast, northern Tanzania and most parts of Rwanda are likely to receive light rainfall of less than 50 millimeters. It is important to note that one millimeter of rainfall is equivalent to one liter of water per square meter.

Rainfall anomalies indicate that central to southeastern Tanzania will receive more precipitation than usual, whereas the western regions of the country will experience lower-than-normal rainfall. Some areas in the central to southern regions may see exceptional rainfall amounts exceeding the top 10% of recorded levels. This raises concerns about potential flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas, where residents should remain vigilant and stay updated on weather alerts.

The temperature forecast for the same period suggests that moderate to high temperatures, ranging between 20 and 32 degrees Celsius, will prevail across South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, central to southern Sudan, and the eastern parts of Rwanda and Burundi. Meanwhile, milder conditions, with temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, are expected in northern Sudan, the Ethiopian highlands, northern Somalia, and parts of central to western Kenya.

Temperature anomalies point to warmer-than-usual conditions across most of the GHA region, with some areas in southeastern Kenya and isolated parts of the region experiencing cooler-than-normal temperatures. Additionally, extreme cautionary heat stress levels are anticipated in South Sudan, southern Sudan, eastern Tanzania and Kenya, and southern Somalia. See weather maps here .

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) in Kampala following laboratory confirmation from three National Reference Laboratories. The index case, a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital, succumbed to the disease after presenting severe symptoms.

Details of the index case

The deceased, who worked at Mulago National Referral Hospital, initially exhibited fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City. His condition deteriorated, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites, multi-organ failure, and ultimately death on January 29, 2025. Post-mortem tests confirmed the presence of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.

Government response and preventive measures

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has taken swift action to contain the outbreak:

Incident management team activated: Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga to monitor and control the situation.

Contact tracing underway: A total of 44 contacts have been identified, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago, 11 family members of the deceased, and four health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital.

Safe burial practices: The deceased will be accorded a safe and dignified burial to prevent further transmission.

Vaccination rollout: Immediate vaccination of all identified contacts is set to commence to curb the spread of the disease.

Background on Ebola in East Africa

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been a recurring threat in East Africa, with Uganda experiencing multiple outbreaks over the years. The Sudan Ebola Virus strain, which differs from the more common Zaire strain, has a high fatality rate but currently lacks an approved vaccine. The most recent outbreak in Uganda occurred in 2022, leading to significant public health interventions.

Understanding Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by viruses in the Filoviridae family. It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals.

Symptoms of Ebola

High fever

Severe headache

Muscle pain and weakness

Sore throat

Vomiting and diarrhea

Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Multi-organ failure in severe cases

Vaccination and treatment

While there is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, vaccines such as Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) have proven effective against the Zaire strain. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, including:

Hydration and electrolyte balance

Oxygen therapy

Blood pressure stabilization

Experimental monoclonal antibody therapies

Prevention Measures

Avoid direct contact with infected individuals

Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Safe burial practices for deceased individuals

Public health awareness campaigns to control outbreaks

Conclusion

The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates as new developments emerge.

Also read: https://x.com/MinofHealthUG/status/1884929483209068650 

The Tanzania government plans to establish a specialized centre for epidemic disease management in Kagera, northwestern Tanzania, equipped with all essential laboratory facilities for testing high-risk pathogens. Additionally, a healthcare facility will be constructed to enhance access to medical services.

This was revealed on January 29, 2025, by the country’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, during his visit to the office of Kagera Regional Commissioner, Hon. Fatma Mwassa, to commend the efforts in controlling the Marburg virus outbreak in Biharamulo District, which the government says has now been contained. With two confirmed cases and 18 suspected cases reported, this marks Tanzania's second encounter with the deadly virus since the 2023 outbreak in the same region.

Dr. Mollel stated that the government recognizes the need for such a centre in Kagera due to its geographical location, as the region borders four neighbouring countries, making it vulnerable to epidemic outbreaks due to cross-border interactions.

Speaking about the healthcare facility construction, he confirmed that funds have already been allocated, and Kagera is among the priority regions. The government's current focus is on strengthening primary healthcare services.

"We need to improve our border health systems, including ensuring that we have committed personnel at all times," said Dr. Mollel. Additionally, he emphasized that the government will ensure that regional security and defense committees receive specialized health training, as they play a crucial role during public health emergencies.

Meanwhile, the minister directed the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to provide regional and district commissioners with copies of medicine distribution reports for hospitals in their respective areas to enhance accountability and monitoring.

He explained that under the current system, medical supplies are directly delivered to hospitals, making it difficult for regional or district leaders to verify medicine shortages when they arise.

 For her part, Kagera Regional Commissioner, Hon. Fatma Mwassa, expressed gratitude to the President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the swift response in allocating funds to combat the Marburg virus outbreak in the region. She urged the Ministry of Health to continue strengthening the capacity of security and defence committees, border personnel, and staff at the Bukoba and Kemondo ports to ensure efficient response during epidemic outbreaks.

Also available here: https://x.com/wizara_afyatz/status/1884658104198963472

Also read: Open configuration options

Two deaths reported as Tanzania strengthens response to Marburg outbreak

 https://rcc.eac.int/node/158 

As Tanzania grapples with Marburg Virus outbreak: What you need to know

https://rcc.eac.int/node/153 

In the week of 29 January - 05 February 2025 more than usual rainfall is expected in parts of southern Kenya and central to eastern Tanzania this week, coupled with warmer-than-average temperatures across most of the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) region. Communities are advised to stay vigilant, especially in flood-prone areas.

Rainfall Forecast

Total Rainfall

Moderate rainfall (50-200 mm) is expected across most of Burundi, Tanzania, and parts of south-western Kenya. Light rainfall (less than 50 mm) is anticipated in western Rwanda, northern Burundi, south-western to western Kenya, northern Tanzania, and regions along the Red Sea coast.

(Note: 1 mm of rainfall is equivalent to 1 liter of water per square meter.)

Rainfall Anomalies

Above-average rainfall is predicted for parts of south-western Kenya and central to eastern Tanzania.

Below-average rainfall is likely over central to western regions of Tanzania.

Exceptional Rainfall

Rainfall exceeding the top 10% of historical records is forecasted in isolated areas of central and southern Tanzania.

Flood Risks

Areas in central Tanzania experiencing exceptionally heavy rainfall may see isolated incidents of flooding.

Residents in high-risk zones are urged to take precautionary measures and stay updated on local advisories.

This week’s forecast underscores the importance of preparedness in areas prone to heavy rainfall and flooding. Authorities and communities should collaborate to minimize potential impacts, particularly in central Tanzania, where exceptional weather conditions are expected.

Source: IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC). See map .

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 27 December 2024  provided an update on the mysterious disease outbreak in the Panzi health zone, Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Initially reported as an undiagnosed illness on November 29, the outbreak is now identified as a combination of acute respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, compounded by severe malnutrition.

Since the alert, 891 cases and 48 deaths, predominantly among children under five, have been reported across 25 of Panzi’s 30 health areas. Enhanced surveillance has revealed a mix of symptoms including fever, cough, and body weakness, with many cases linked to common respiratory viruses (e.g., Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2) and malaria.

Preliminary findings

Laboratory tests on 430 samples indicate:

• 62% tested positive for malaria.
• 64 samples showed infections with respiratory viruses like Influenza A, rhinoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2.

Severe malnutrition, affecting nearly half the children under five in the area, has exacerbated the impact of these diseases.

Response efforts

Authorities, with support from WHO, Africa CDC, and UNICEF, have intensified their response:

• Surveillance: Active case searching and enhanced data collection continue in affected areas.
• Case management: Health workers are receiving training, and essential supplies, including oxygen concentrators, are being delivered to facilities.
• Laboratory testing: Further virological and bacterial analysis is underway to refine understanding of the outbreak.
• Risk Communication: Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage early care-seeking and preventive behaviors.

Challenges and broader implications

Kwango Province faces a crisis of food insecurity and malnutrition, classified as IPC Phase 3 (Serious) and projected to worsen. Malnutrition weakens immunity, increasing vulnerability to infections and worsening disease outcomes. Limited healthcare access, shortages of medical supplies, and poor infrastructure compound the crisis.

The outbreak highlights the urgent need to:

1. Strengthen healthcare systems and access to treatment.
2. Address food insecurity and malnutrition.
3. Improve surveillance and response capacities in remote, vulnerable regions.

While risks remain localized to Panzi, the event underscores the critical intersection of health, nutrition, and poverty in driving preventable deaths. Continued international support is vital to mitigate the crisis and prevent similar outbreaks elsewhere in the country.

Read full WHO report here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON547

New undiagnosed disease in DR Congo: urgent action needed - Lancet

The outbreak of an undiagnosed disease in DR Congo, reported by WHO on Dec 8, 2024,1 is a pressing global health concern that demands swift and coordinated action. As of Dec 5, 406 cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the Panzi health zone in Kwango province, with influenza-like symptoms and anaemia. Most affected individuals are children aged younger than 5 years, many of whom are severely malnourished.

The remoteness of the region and poor infrastructure complicate the identification of the pathogen, with suspicions that multiple diseases could be contributing to these cases. Furthermore, the outbreak has the potential to transcend regional boundaries, particularly as DR Congo shares porous borders with Angola, where provinces such as Uige are vulnerable to cross-border transmission. Mobility between these regions could facilitate the spread of the disease to neighbouring African countries, raising the potential for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

With disease samples dispatched to Kinshasa for laboratory testing to determine the pathogen's origin, we are in a crucial window to prevent its further spread. Today, the approach must be different. The disease's unknown nature warrants containment measures at both the local and international levels. These measures should include the immediate restriction of cross-border movement in affected regions, enhanced disease surveillance, and the rapid mobilisation of health-care resources to DR Congo and neighbouring countries. Additionally, the international community must recognise that this is not solely an African challenge; it is a global health threat. Comprehensive funding and logistical support should be prioritised, enabling rapid diagnostic efforts, contact tracing, and the provision of personal protective equipment to front-line workers.

The risk of spillover into neighbouring countries underscores the urgency for Angola and other countries in the region to heighten preparedness measures. These measures should include deploying rapid response teams, establishing quarantine protocols, and intensifying public health communication to mitigate panic and misinformation. In this interconnected world, a delayed or fragmented response could allow this disease to evolve into a global health crisis. By learning from our recent past, we can change the trajectory of this outbreak and safeguard lives across continents. The experience with COVID-19 has shown that delays in responding to outbreaks can have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is imperative that the global community acts decisively to contain this undiagnosed disease in DR Congo, protecting not only African populations, but also global public health.

Reference

Undiagnosed disease—Democratic Republic of the Congo

https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON546

At least 79 people have died from an unknown disease that is causing flu-like symptoms in south-western Democratic Republic of Congo, the health ministry says.

Media reports quoting the health ministry says the majority of people who have died are between the ages of 15 and 18.

More than 300 people have been infected with patients exhibiting symptoms like fever, headaches, runny noses and coughs, breathing difficulties and anaemia.

Response teams have been sent to Kwango Province, specifically the Panzi health zone, where the disease is most common, to manage cases and investigate the nature of the disease. Symphorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, told Reuters news agency the situation was worrying as the number of infected people continues to rise.

"Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines," he said.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region official told the BBC they have "dispatched a team to the remote area to collect samples for lab investigations".

Authorities have urged the population to remain calm and vigilant. They urged people to wash their hands with soap, avoid mass gatherings, and avoid touching the bodies of the deceased without qualified health personnel.

A local MP told Top Congo Radio that about 67 people had fallen sick and died between 10 and 26 November. "It should be noted that Panzi hospital is short of medicines to cope with this epidemic. We really need assistance," said the MP.

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, spanning 30,000 square kilometers across Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, is a vital habitat with diverse landscapes, including savannahs, grasslands, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. This ecosystem hosts the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores journey annually in search of food and water. This migration sustains numerous predators like lions and cheetahs, maintaining an ecological balance that exemplifies the region’s biodiversity. The ecosystem also supports species like elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a rich variety of bird species, creating a unique setting for intricate ecological interactions.

However, climate change threatens the stability of this ecosystem. A study featured in The Guardian, conducted by a research team from universities in Europe, IUCN, and Kenya Meteorological Department has examined the Mara-Serengeti’s weather patterns since 1913, noting increased temperatures, variable rainfall, and recurring severe droughts over recent decades. Average minimum temperatures have risen significantly, with Narok Town showing a 5.3°C increase from 1960 to 2024. Rainfall has also increased, alongside more frequent and intense droughts and floods, all of which are straining resources vital for wildlife and communities alike.

Global climate systems, especially the Southern Oscillation Index (which influences El Niño and La Niña events) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), have exacerbated these extreme weather conditions. Since 1970, El Niño and La Niña events have become more intense and frequent, leading to unpredictable rainfall and drought cycles in East Africa. Additionally, a warming Indian Ocean has strengthened the IOD, contributing to more frequent severe floods and droughts. These intensified climate patterns, driven by global warming, disrupt traditional migration and breeding cycles, reduce water and vegetation availability, and heighten competition between wildlife and human communities.

The impact on the ecosystem is profound. Wildlife populations are declining as animals face shrinking habitats and limited resources. Field observations, historical data from Kenya’s Game Department, and district records show that extreme weather events have repeatedly coincided with notable shifts in wildlife distribution and population. The researchers systematically ruled out other factors like poaching, pollution, or disease, confirming that climate change is the main driver.

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem stands at a critical juncture. Conservation efforts must adapt to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the long-term resilience of this biodiverse landscape. Balancing the needs of both wildlife and local communities is essential to preserving the ecosystem's health and supporting those who depend on it.

Read full article in The Guardian on this link .