Uganda Confirms Two New Ebola Cases as Outbreak Spreads

Uganda has confirmed two additional Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections recorded in the country to seven amid growing regional concern over the spread of the deadly virus.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health disclosed on Monday that the newly confirmed cases involve two Ugandan health workers employed at a private medical facility in the capital, Kampala. According to the ministry, both patients have been admitted to a designated Ebola treatment centre where they are currently receiving specialised medical care.

Health authorities also confirmed that emergency response teams have begun aggressive contact tracing operations to identify and monitor individuals who may have interacted with the infected persons. The latest development comes barely days after Uganda announced three new Ebola cases, raising fears of wider transmission beyond the initial outbreak zones.

Officials said the epicentre of the outbreak remains Ituri Province in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, which shares a border with Uganda.

The World Health Organization has already declared the outbreak involving the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed over the weekend that more than 900 suspected Ebola cases had been identified across affected regions, including 101 confirmed infections.

Health experts remain concerned because there is currently no approved vaccine specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain.

Authorities in Uganda have intensified screening measures at health facilities, border crossings and public places while urging citizens to observe strict hygiene protocols and promptly report suspected symptoms.

The government also reassured the public that surveillance systems and emergency response mechanisms have been activated nationwide to contain further spread of the disease.