New Fatal Cases Highlight Challenges in Uganda’s Ebola Sudan Outbreak

The WHO reports new cases in Uganda’s Ebola Sudan outbreak, highlighting the fatalities of a boy, his mother, and sibling. Investigations reveal prior deaths potentially linked to the boy’s infection, raising concerns about undetected virus transmission. The case-fatality rate has increased to 33.3%, underscoring the urgency for enhanced surveillance and contact tracing efforts in combatting further spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported two suspected fatal cases in the ongoing Ebola Sudan outbreak in Uganda, following the demise of a 4-year-old boy. Investigations revealed that his mother and newborn sibling died weeks prior under conditions suggestive of the Ebola virus without adequate testing. This raises significant concerns regarding potential undetected transmission of the virus.

The 4-year-old boy presented to healthcare on February 15 and subsequently was transferred between four facilities. Unfortunately, his Ebola Sudan infection was only confirmed posthumously on February 24. The ongoing investigation indicates that he was not identified as a contact of prior known cases, contributing to fears of a silent spread within the community.

The mother, who delivered at a Kampala hospital on January 23, died on February 6 after showing acute illness. Her newborn’s death occurred shortly thereafter. Both cases were not tested and remain classified as probable. As a result, the outbreak total has surged to 12 cases, with 10 confirmed and four resulting in fatalities.

Health officials initially discharged all Ebola patients in mid-February, leading to expectations of the outbreak’s conclusion. However, new developments indicate a risk of undetected transmission due to delayed diagnosis and the boy’s interactions across health facilities. Officials noted that while the case-fatality rate (CFR) previously stood at 11.1%, it has now risen to 33.3% with the inclusion of the recent fatalities.

The WHO stresses the importance of improving surveillance and contact tracing following this outbreak, especially concerning the missed testing of the deceased mother and sibling. They emphasized the critical opportunity for health officials to interrupt further transmission, stating, “With no active cases currently in admission and all previous patients discharged, there is a critical window of opportunity to interrupt transmission.” This marks Uganda’s sixth Ebola Sudan outbreak and its first since 2022, with local health officials praised for their management of previous outbreaks.

The recent developments in Uganda’s Ebola Sudan outbreak demonstrate the complexities of controlling such diseases amid gaps in surveillance and testing. The deaths of the 4-year-old boy, his mother, and newborn highlight the risks of undetected transmission. Enhanced contact tracing and immediate responses are critical in navigating this public health challenge, as health officials remain vigilant in breaking the chain of transmission during this pivotal period.

Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu