Uganda's Health Ministry on Tuesday reported another six cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections in the country to 15 since the outbreak began in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
One of those infected has died from the virus in Uganda.
In eastern Congo, authorities are now reporting 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths. There are currently 116 further suspected cases, where patients have presented with typical symptoms but have not yet been tested.
Until a few days ago, the number of suspected cases in eastern Congo had been reported at nearly 1,200. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the figure fell after outstanding samples were tested. New suspected cases are typically reported in batches, meaning the number could jump again suddenly.
WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier cautioned that a drop in numbers does not necessarily mean the outbreak is coming under control. He said higher numbers of suspected cases can actually be a good sign, as it suggests potential cases are being detected and people with symptoms are coming forward.
Since the outbreak was identified in mid-May in Congo's eastern province of Ituri, near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, the WHO has warned that the actual number of infections is likely significantly higher than official figures indicate. It emphasized that the outbreak went unnoticed for weeks and that not all cases are reported.
There is no rapid test for the Bundibugyo virus, a rare form of Ebola that is responsible for this outbreak, nor is there any treatment or vaccine.
The virus is transmitted through physical contact and contact with bodily fluids. In 2014 and 2015, more than 11,000 people died in an Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Around 2,300 people died in the second-worst recorded outbreak, which took place from 2018 to 2020 in eastern Congo.
