Uganda has confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections in the current outbreak to five, the country’s health ministry said on Saturday.
The government has stepped up contact tracing efforts in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern.
The WHO also warned that the risk of a wider epidemic in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo is “very high” due to ongoing transmission in the region.
According to the UN health agency, nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been recorded in Congo, where the outbreak is believed to have originated.
Health officials say delayed detection, lack of a vaccine or specific treatment, armed conflict and high population mobility are worsening the risk of spread.
In Uganda, the newly confirmed cases include a driver who transported the country’s first confirmed patient and a health worker who treated that patient.
Both individuals are currently receiving treatment and were identified through known contact tracing efforts.
A third case involves a woman from Congo who entered Uganda with mild abdominal symptoms.
She travelled from the border town of Arua to Entebbe and later sought medical attention at a private hospital in Kampala.
The patient initially improved and returned to Congo but later tested positive for Ebola following a follow-up investigation triggered by a tip-off from a pilot involved in her transport.
Ugandan authorities said all identified contacts linked to the confirmed cases are being closely monitored.
The health ministry urged the public to remain alert, report symptoms early and cooperate with ongoing containment measures.
Officials continue to intensify surveillance at border points and within communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
The current outbreak has raised regional concern due to the porous nature of borders and frequent cross-border movement between Uganda and neighbouring countries.
Health experts warn that swift containment will depend on effective contact tracing, isolation of suspected cases and public cooperation with health authorities.
