Uganda reinstates traveller screening after Bundibugyo Ebola virus case in Nigeria

In a public statement, the Ministry of Health said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the traveller’s infection, noting that she had not exhibited symptoms when she left Uganda.

“Available information indicates that the traveller did not exhibit symptoms at the time of departure from Uganda. However, investigations are continuing to establish the timing of symptom onset and the circumstances surrounding her infection,” the statement reads.

The Ministry said it was working with Nigerian authorities to establish the traveller’s full travel history, movements and potential exposure. 

It has also requested additional information, including detailed travel records and genomic sequencing results, where available.

As a precautionary measure, the Ministry has reinstated traveller locator forms for all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, to support follow-up and contact tracing where necessary.

"These have been reinstated for all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, to facilitate timely follow-up and contact tracing where necessary,” the Ministry said.

It has also reinforced infection prevention and control measures at points of entry and exit, as well as in health facilities, while surveillance continues across the country. Travellers with a history of travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will not be permitted to transit through Uganda.

The Ministry warned that breaches of public health requirements could attract enforcement action under the Public Health Act and that people entering the country through unauthorised routes would be referred to the relevant authorities.

It urged communities to report suspected unauthorised border crossings to facilitate screening and public health follow-up.

“The Ministry of Health wishes to assure the country that Uganda remains Ebola-free,” it said.

It further urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, practise proper hand hygiene and comply with screening and other public health measures at all points of entry.ebola