Back to all articles

Ebola in Uganda: What every traveller needs to know

By Travel Doctor | Feb 06, 2025

Overview of the Outbreak

According to the latest reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Uganda’s Ministry of Health, there have been three laboratory-confirmed cases of Ebola in Kampala since January 19, 2025. The original case sought treatment at multiple hospitals before being admitted to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where he ultimately passed away on the 29th of January. The other two cases are family members of the index case, and extensive contact tracing is underway, with over 230 contacts being traced.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently lists Uganda as a Level 2 travel notice, which means travellers should practice enhanced precautions.

How to protect yourself

  1. Stay informed: Keep up to date with official health sources such as the WHO and CDC
  2. Avoiding Transmission
      • Practice strict hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
      • Do not engage with sick individuals showing symptoms associated with Ebola.
      • Avoid contact with blood, bodily fluids, and dead bodies, as well as taking part in burial rituals.
      • Avoid contact with bats, forest antelopes, nonhuman primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas).
      • Avoid caves and other places where bats may be found and avoid contact with or consumption of bushmeat.
  3. Health Insurance: Consider obtaining travel insurance that includes health and medical evacuation coverage to protect yourself against potential health issues.
  4. Seek Medical Attention Wisely:
      • Self-Monitor: If you travel to Uganda, it’s recommended to self-monitor for 21 days after returning. Be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, or unexplained bleeding.
      • If you show symptoms during or after your stay, isolate yourself immediately and contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility before going there. This helps prepare the facility to handle your case appropriately.

Is there a vaccine?

Currently, there are no approved vaccines for the Sudan ebolavirus; however, a clinical trial for a candidate vaccine (C108, rVSVΔG-SUDV-GP; IAVI) is in progress in Uganda.

 

While the situation in Uganda is being closely monitored and managed, it is vital for travellers to remain vigilant and informed. Adopting the recommended precautions can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Safe travels and stay healthy!

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2025) Uganda – Traveler View. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda (Accessed: 6 February 2025).

Shoreland, Inc. (2025) Uganda: Ebola Virus in Kampala. Available in: Travax Health Bulletins. (Accessed: 6 February 2025).