The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency on 17 May after two cases were confirmed in Kampala and signs the virus was spreading across borders. The strain is Bundibugyo, a rare type of Ebola, and there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
As of 16 May WHO reported eight laboratory‑confirmed cases and many suspected cases and deaths in Ituri province in the DRC. Two travellers from the DRC tested positive in Kampala; one man died on 14 May in a private hospital.
Uganda has activated emergency teams, set up screening at entry points and a mobile laboratory, and begun contact tracing. Officials and international partners are being asked to give urgent support.
Difficult words
- outbreak — a sudden start of many disease cases
- strain — a specific type of a virus or bacterium
- vaccine — a medicine that prevents an infection
- treatment — medical care to help sick people get better
- screening — checks to find sick people at places
- contact tracing — finding people who met an infected person
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had screening at an airport or border? What happened?
- What can emergency teams do to help when a virus spreads?
- Why do you think international partners are asked to give urgent support?
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