The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in Uganda over after the country recorded 42 days with no new transmissions. Cases are, however, rising in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key facts
- The WHO has declared Uganda's Ebola outbreak over.
- The declaration follows 42 days without new transmission of the virus.
- Cases of Ebola are rising in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The announcement was reported on 26 August 2026.
The World Health Organization has declared that the Ebola outbreak in Uganda is over, according to Al Jazeera. The international body made the announcement after the country went 42 days without recording any new transmission of the virus.
The 42-day threshold is a standard marker used to confirm the end of an Ebola outbreak. It represents twice the maximum incubation period of the virus, giving health authorities confidence that transmission chains have been broken before an outbreak is formally declared over.
While Uganda has been declared Ebola-free, the wider regional picture remains a concern. Al Jazeera reported that cases are rising in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, indicating that the threat from the virus has not been eliminated across the region.
The contrast between the two countries underscores the challenge of containing Ebola outbreaks, which can spread across borders and require sustained surveillance even after individual national outbreaks are brought under control.
The declaration marks a milestone for Uganda’s public health response, though the reported increase in cases in DR Congo suggests health authorities in the region will need to remain vigilant.
Why it matters
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease, and the end of an outbreak signals that transmission chains have been broken and lives can be protected. However, rising cases in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo show the regional threat persists, requiring continued surveillance to prevent the virus from spreading across borders.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it take 42 days to declare an Ebola outbreak over?
The 42-day period represents twice the maximum incubation period of the Ebola virus. Passing this threshold without new transmissions gives health authorities confidence that the chains of infection have been broken.
Is Ebola still a threat in the region?
Yes. While Uganda has been declared Ebola-free, Al Jazeera reported that cases are rising in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, meaning the regional threat has not been eliminated.
Who declared Uganda's outbreak over?
The World Health Organization made the declaration, as reported by Al Jazeera on 26 August 2026.