KAMPALA, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) in Kampala, marking the eighth such outbreak in Uganda. This confirmation follows laboratory testing by three national reference laboratories: the Central Public Health Laboratory in Kampala, the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe, and Makerere University. The index case is a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital, who succumbed to the disease on January 29, 2025. The nurse initially sought treatment at Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, and from a traditional healer, presenting with fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and unexplained bleeding, which progressed to multi-organ failure.
Health officials have isolated 44 contacts of the nurse, and vaccination efforts are underway using the Ebola vaccine Uganda had previously secured. Rigorous contact tracing is also being conducted. No other health workers or patients at Mulago Hospital have shown symptoms, offering some hope that the virus has not spread within the hospital.
The outbreak poses a significant threat, especially in Kampala, where rapid transmission is possible. The government, in collaboration with international health organizations, has increased emergency preparedness, surveillance, and public health advisories. Large gatherings, including sports events, face scrutiny, with authorities advising against public events in high-risk areas.
Impact on Sports & Preventive Measures for Athletes
With the virus spreading in the capital, contact sports such as football in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and rugby in the Uganda Rugby Premiership could become focal points for transmission. To protect athletes, coaches, and officials, the following measures should be implemented:
- Health Screenings & Testing: Daily temperature checks and health screenings for players, coaches, and match personnel, with immediate isolation and testing for anyone showing symptoms.
- Limited Physical Contact: Avoidance of unnecessary physical contact like high-fives and celebrations, maintaining physical distance when possible.
- Enhanced Hygiene Protocols: Regular sanitization of equipment, locker rooms, and playing areas, with hand sanitizers available for athletes before and after games.
- Restricted Spectator Attendance: Matches may be held behind closed doors or with limited audience numbers in high-risk areas.
- Protective Measures for Medical Teams: Medical staff should wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, and face shields.
- Travel & Interaction Limitations: Restricting unnecessary travel and player interactions with the public outside team events.
- Public Awareness & Education: Ongoing educational campaigns for players, staff, and fans about the virus and its prevention.
- Emergency Response Plans: Each club should designate a health team to enforce these SOPs in coordination with health authorities.
These measures aim to minimize the risk of Ebola transmission in sports. However, if the outbreak escalates, match suspensions or league delays may be necessary. Uganda’s health and sports authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely.
