Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patient, marking the beginning of a 42-day monitoring period required before the country can be declared free of the virus under World Health Organization guidelines. Since mid-May, Uganda has recorded 20 cases of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, with most infections linked to travelers from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. However, it has not logged a new case since June 22, reflecting the success of its containment efforts. Meanwhile, Congo continues to battle the epidemic, with more than 2,000 confirmed cases and dozens of new infections reported daily. Ugandan health officials credited rigorous surveillance, isolation measures, and cross-border cooperation for preventing wider transmission. If no additional cases emerge during the monitoring period, Uganda will officially regain its Ebola-free status.
Reuters