Uganda says it remains free of Ebola after 60 people linked to a Kenyan traveler with the disease finished three weeks of monitoring without falling ill.
The contacts were monitored for the required 21 days and have now been discharged, Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi told reporters. He said no Ebola cases or deaths have been recorded in Kasese.
Uganda announced the end of its Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak on July 28. The World Health Organization formally declared the country Ebola-free on Aug. 26 and presented it with a certificate of recognition, according to a Ugandan government statement.
No new cases have been reported in Uganda since the outbreak ended. Across the border, however, transmission is continuing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Baryomunsi said that leaves Uganda with little room to relax its precautions.
Health workers are screening travelers at land borders and Entebbe International Airport. Surveillance has also been increased in communities where a possible case might otherwise go unnoticed.
Uganda has extended its response into Congo, setting up three treatment units with a combined 240 beds, the government said.
Baryomunsi asked the public to keep cooperating with health workers and called for countries in the region to work together to contain the disease and prevent another cross-border spread.
Suspected cases may be reported to Uganda’s Health Ministry by calling the toll-free number 0800-100-066, sending an alert by text message to 6767 or using U-Report on 8500.
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