Kampala, Uganda — Uganda has confirmed a new outbreak of the Ebola virus, resulting in the death of a 32-year-old male nurse employed at Mulago Hospital, as reported by the South China Morning Post. This incident marks the first recorded fatality since the last outbreak ended in early 2023. Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary of the Health Ministry, noted that the nurse sought treatment after developing a fever, visiting multiple health facilities before his diagnosis was confirmed. He ultimately succumbed to the illness on January 29, with post-mortem tests confirming the Sudan strain of Ebola.

Following his death, health authorities have initiated contact tracing for at least 44 individuals who may have interacted with the deceased, including 30 healthcare workers. The Associated Press emphasized the challenges of contact tracing within the densely populated city of Kampala, known for its crowded environment and high mobility.

The outbreak is particularly concerning due to the lack of approved vaccines for the Sudan strain of the virus. Vaccination of all identified contacts began immediately, as highlighted by reports from CBS News. The Ministry of Health has expressed confidence in managing the situation, although the task remains daunting considering the high population density and ongoing investigations into the outbreak’s source. Previous outbreaks in Uganda have shown a rapid spread, exemplified by the 2022 outbreak that resulted in 55 deaths.

In light of this resurgence, the World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated $1 million to support Uganda’s response to the outbreak, emphasizing the urgency in controlling the spread of this viral hemorrhagic fever. Health experts are mobilizing teams to contain further transmission, noting lessons learned from past outbreaks, as reported by Los Angeles Times.

As investigations continue, Ugandan officials are monitoring the situation closely, urging the public to report any suspected cases to prevent widespread infection. This outbreak reaffirms the need for prepared health responses as neighboring regions deal with similar viral diseases, including a recent outbreak of Marburg in Tanzania.

For more details, visit Al Jazeera.