Ebola spreads further in Uganda as cases rise to five

Uganda has confirmed three new Ebola virus cases, bringing the total number of infections in the current outbreak to five since the disease was first detected in the country on May 15.

The Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that the newly confirmed cases include a Ugandan driver, a Ugandan health worker, and a woman from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an ongoing outbreak has raised regional concern.

In a statement shared on X, the ministry said health authorities are intensifying response measures to contain the spread of the virus.

“The ministry continues to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public awareness efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the health and safety of all Ugandans,” the statement read.

The latest cases were confirmed a day after the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the outbreak risk level in the DRC to its highest classification, citing growing regional concerns.

Earlier in the week, Uganda suspended public transport links with the DRC following initial Ebola cases, including a death involving Congolese nationals who had crossed the border.

Health officials say containment efforts are focused on contact tracing, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further transmission.