Kampala, Uganda – A 4-year-old child has died of Ebola, becoming the second fatality in Uganda’s latest outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Saturday. The death, which occurred on Tuesday at Kampala’s main referral hospital, deals a blow to health officials who had been optimistic about containing the epidemic that emerged in late January.
In a concise statement, WHO’s Uganda office confirmed the child’s passing and noted that efforts are intensifying to enhance surveillance and contact tracing. No additional details about the case were provided, and local health authorities have remained silent on the matter.
The child’s death challenges recent claims by Ugandan officials that the outbreak was nearing its end. Earlier in February, eight Ebola patients—linked to the outbreak’s first victim—were successfully treated and released, raising hopes of containment. The initial casualty, a male nurse, died on January 29, just one day before the outbreak was officially declared on January 30. The nurse had sought care at various facilities in Kampala and eastern Uganda, even consulting a traditional healer, before succumbing to the virus in the capital.
The recovery of eight individuals, including some of the nurse’s relatives, had fueled optimism among health officials. However, the outbreak’s origin remains under investigation, and this second death signals that the virus continues to pose a threat.
Ebola’s spread hinges on effective contact tracing, a task made more difficult by the absence of approved vaccines for the Sudan strain affecting Uganda. The WHO has stepped in to support the country’s response, reporting that over 20,000 travelers are screened daily at border crossings to prevent further transmission.
Financially, WHO has allocated at least $3 million to bolster Uganda’s efforts, but concerns over funding have emerged following the U.S. administration’s decision to slash 60% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts. This cut has already had tangible effects. Dithan Kiragga, executive director of the Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, told The Associated Press on Friday that his organization ceased its Ebola surveillance work—specifically screening travelers—after losing its USAID funding. The five-year, $27 million contract, signed in 2022, supported 85 staff members engaged in vital public health initiatives.
As Uganda confronts this ongoing outbreak, the second death highlights the fragility of the situation and the critical need for sustained resources and vigilance.
Key Points:
- Second Ebola Death: A 4-year-old child died of Ebola in Uganda, marking the second fatality in the current outbreak, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
- Outbreak Timeline: The Ebola outbreak began in late January, with the first victim, a male nurse, dying on January 29 after seeking treatment across multiple facilities in Kampala and eastern Uganda.
- Location of Death: The child died on Tuesday at Kampala’s main referral hospital, the capital of Uganda.
- Setback for Control Efforts: The death challenges earlier optimism from Ugandan officials after eight patients, contacts of the first victim, were successfully treated and discharged in early February.
- Ongoing Investigation: Health officials are still tracing the outbreak’s source and working to strengthen surveillance and contact tracing, critical to containing Ebola.
- Sudan Strain: The outbreak involves the Sudan strain of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines.
- Screening Efforts: Over 20,000 travelers are screened daily at Uganda’s border points, with WHO support.
- Funding Concerns: WHO has provided Uganda with at least $3 million for its Ebola response, but funding worries persist after the U.S. administration cut 60% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts.
- Impact on Local Efforts: The Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, which supported Ebola surveillance, halted its work screening travelers after losing a $27 million USAID contract, affecting 85 staff members.
