Key Takeaways:

• Ebola cases in Uganda have surged to nine since the outbreak declaration, with one reported death.
• The outbreak is attributed to the Sudan strain, for which no approved vaccine exists.
• A trial vaccination program has been launched targeting the Sudan strain amid widespread vaccine hesitancy.

Kampala, Uganda — As of February 11, 2025, Uganda's Health Ministry has reported a significant rise in confirmed Ebola cases, climbing from three to nine. This alarming development comes following the declaration of an outbreak late last month, which has already claimed one life, the first victim being a male nurse who succumbed just before the outbreak announcement on January 30. Among the confirmed cases, seven individuals are currently being treated in a hospital in Uganda's capital, Kampala, while one patient is being cared for in Mbale, located near the Kenyan border, as per the Reuters report.

The outbreak is specifically linked to the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, a variant for which no licensed vaccines are available, posing a serious public health risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted this concern, stating, "In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high."

At present, the eight patients being treated are reported to be in stable condition. Health officials have placed 265 contacts of confirmed cases under quarantine to mitigate further spread. Despite these precautions, the health ministry is working against a backdrop of vaccine hesitancy, which is complicating the response to this outbreak. Only one person among the contacts has opted to receive the trial vaccine, which was launched to assess its efficacy against the Sudan strain according to Al Jazeera.

Traditional beliefs and misconceptions regarding the disease and treatment have further fueled reluctance among the population to accept vaccination. Dr. Bruce Kirenga, involved in the trial, expressed determination in overcoming this hesitancy, emphasizing the need for correct information dissemination as essential for driving vaccine acceptance.

Moreover, the government's strategy in communicating the outbreak has come under scrutiny. Frictions have arisen from the tourism sector, which claims that adverse publicity surrounding the outbreak is damaging to business. Critics argue that the announcement could deter international travel, adversely affecting Uganda's economy noted by India Times.

The WHO has commended Uganda for initiating a randomized vaccine trial so swiftly in reaction to the outbreak. However, the ongoing lack of effective vaccines against the Sudan strain could undermine efforts to control this crisis as reported by Africa News.

Public health professionals are now focusing on the necessity of enhancing communication strategies and addressing vaccine hesitancy as pivotal factors in combatting this emerging health threat. “Ebola is no joke,” voiced Edward Kayiwa, a survivor from a past outbreak, underscoring the urgent need for action and informed public response.

For detailed updates, refer to the original articles from Al Jazeera, Reuters, India Times, Africa News.