Protecting healthcare workers from Ebola in Uganda is paramount. Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but deadly disease that continues to pose a threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or humans, and outbreaks can have devastating consequences. This blog post examines the challenges of Ebola, reviewing the 2022 outbreak in Uganda and providing information on an emerging outbreak reported in January 2025. This new outbreak highlights the ongoing risks and the critical importance of robust infection control measures.
Ebola in Uganda: The 2022 Outbreak
In September 2022, Uganda declared an outbreak of the Sudan strain of Ebola, a particularly dangerous strain with no approved vaccine at the time. The outbreak spread rapidly through rural areas, resulting in numerous confirmed cases and, sadly with this strain, several deaths. This outbreak highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers, underscoring the importance of protecting healthcare workers from Ebola in Uganda when caring for infected patients. The lack of a vaccine at the time made containment efforts even more challenging.
Ebola in Uganda: Reporting on the January 2025 Outbreak
On January 30, 2025, the Ministry of Health in Uganda reportedly declared a new Ebola outbreak (Sudan virus). This outbreak was confirmed following the death of a male nurse at the national referral hospital on January 29, with three national laboratory postmortem examinations confirming the diagnosis.
According to an initial report from ECHO (European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations) on January 31, 2025, approximately 45 contacts in the Central (Kampala) and Eastern (Mbale) regions are under quarantine. The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is reportedly activating response measures, including a vaccination campaign. A 72-hour response plan is said to be in the final stages of approval. ECHO is also exploring options to support the response in Mbale through an ongoing project.
The initial ECHO report highlights several key aspects of this new outbreak:
Ongoing Risk: This new outbreak demonstrates that Ebola remains a recurring threat.
- Healthcare Worker Vulnerability: The nurse’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by healthcare professionals, emphasizing the critical need for protecting healthcare workers from Ebola in Uganda
- Rapid Response: The reported actions of the Ministry of Health and WHO indicate a rapid response effort.
- Vaccination Campaign: The planned vaccination campaign, utilising a Sudan Ebola vaccine that has become available for emergency use, is a crucial development.
- International Collaboration: The potential involvement of ECHO highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing these outbreaks.
Protecting Healthcare Workers from Ebola in Uganda:
Essential Measures
Wear protective clothing – including masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection.
Double gloves if heavy-duty gloves are not available. REMEMBER! The use of gloves does not replace the need to clean your hands!
- Isolate patients with Ebola from other patients
- Avoid direct contact with the bodies of those who have died from Ebola.
- When de-robing ensures exposed surfaces do not come in contact with your body. Roll gowns in on themselves.
Healthcare providers should frequently perform hand hygiene before and after:
- All patient contact
- Contact with potentially infectious material
- Putting on and removing PPE (including gloves)
Ebola Vaccination: Protecting Healthcare Workers in Uganda
- Vaccination is NOT a Substitute for PPE: Even with a vaccine available, adhering to strict infection control protocols remains essential for protecting healthcare workers from Ebola in Uganda. The vaccine may not provide 100% protection, and new strains of Ebola could emerge.
- Vaccination Status Awareness: Healthcare facilities should have a system for tracking the vaccination status of their staff.
- Post-Exposure Protocols: Clear protocols must be in place for healthcare workers who are exposed to Ebola, regardless of their vaccination status. This may include quarantine, monitoring, and potential treatment. This includes double-gloving as a precaution.
Infection Control for Ebola Patient Rooms in Uganda
- Dedicated medical equipment (preferably disposable, when possible) should be used for the provision of patient care.
- All non-dedicated, non-disposable medical equipment used for patient care should be cleaned and disinfected with Klorkleen @1000ppm.
Procedure
- First clean the room with Klorkleen @1000ppm
- Disinfect with a fresh batch of Klorkleen solution @1000ppm
- Work from area furthest from the patient first, towards the patient (or bed)
These steps are to ensure we are protecting healthcare workers from Ebola in Uganda.
Ebola remains a persistent and serious threat, as evidenced by the 2022 outbreak and the newly emerging outbreak in 2025. The reported death of a healthcare worker in the 2025 outbreak highlights the critical need for unwavering adherence to infection control practices. While advancements like the development of Sudan Ebola vaccines offer a vital tool, they do not replace the fundamental importance of personal protective equipment, meticulous hand hygiene, and comprehensive disinfection protocols. Protecting healthcare workers from Ebola in Uganda is paramount, both for their own safety and for the effective containment of outbreaks. We will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available.
