Wakiso, Uganda – In response to the recent outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus, six health workers at Saidina Abubaker Islamic Hospital have been placed under isolation, and two hospital units have been closed. This decision follows the death of a 32-year-old male nurse who had sought treatment at multiple facilities before succumbing to the disease.
The Ministry of Health announced the outbreak after the nurse, who worked at Mulago National Referral Hospital, died on January 29, 2025. He had presented symptoms including high fever, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding, which progressed to multi-organ failure. Post-mortem tests confirmed the presence of the Sudan Ebola virus in his system.
Sheikh Ali Lubowa, the Principal Hospital Administrator, explained that the patient was admitted to the High Dependency Unit but was later discharged upon request from relatives to seek further treatment at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Following confirmation of the virus, epidemiologists from the Ministry ordered immediate isolation measures for health workers who had contact with the patient.
Lubowa reassured the public that while two units are closed for disinfection, the hospital remains operational for other services. The Ministry has also initiated contact tracing for 44 individuals linked to the deceased, including health workers and family members.