The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a 4-year-old child died after being hospitalized in Kampala. The source of the infection remains unknown, and WHO is collaborating with Ugandan authorities to enhance surveillance and containment. Local health officials have not provided further details.

This death challenges earlier claims that the outbreak was under control, especially after eight recovered patients were discharged. The first fatality was a male nurse who died on January 30 after seeking treatment at multiple facilities and consulting a traditional healer.

Despite initial hopes of containment, the outbreak’s source remains a mystery.

Ugandan authorities are screening over 20,000 travellers daily at border crossings, while WHO has provided $3 million to support response efforts. However, funding concerns persist following reductions in U.S. foreign aid.

Ebola, a highly lethal viral haemorrhagic fever, spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms start with fever, muscle pain, and sore throat but can progress to severe bleeding and organ failure.

While vaccines exist for some strains, no approved vaccine is available for the Sudan strain currently affecting Uganda.