WHO Officially Declares Uganda's 2026 Ebola Outbreak Over After 42-Day Countdown

During a joint press briefing with Uganda's Ministry of Health on 25 August 2026, WHO officially declared the end of Uganda's 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, confirming completion of the mandatory 42-day monitoring period (twice the virus's maximum incubation period) without a new confirmed case since the last patient was discharged from care on 16 July 2026. This international declaration follows Uganda's own earlier administrative announcement on 28 July 2026, made ahead of the standard 42-day window based on completed epidemiological investigation and contact tracing. Uganda's outbreak totaled 20 confirmed cases (15 imported from DRC, 5 locally acquired), 18 recoveries and 2 deaths. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 'Uganda has demonstrated that with decisive action, Ebola outbreaks can be brought under control quickly.' The DRC outbreak that seeded Uganda's cases continues to escalate with no end in sight.