Context
Uganda has declared an end to the Ebola Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak after completing a 42-day mandatory countdown without any new confirmed cases reported. The declaration came in less than three months after the virus was detected in the capital, Kampala.
About Sudan Virus Disease
Sudan Ebolavirus is a species of Ebolavirus that causes hemorrhagic fever. It is a deadly disease with occasional outbreaks that occur mostly on the African continent.
Ebolavirus disease most commonly affects people and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Infection with Sudan Ebolavirus is called Sudan Virus Disease (SVD).
About Ebola
Ebola is a serious, life-threatening type of viral hemorrhagic fever a viral infection that damages the blood vessels. Ebola symptoms start off like the flu (influenza). But they can progress to:
· Severe bleeding
· Neurological disorders
· Severe vomiting
Types of Ebola
There are four different Ebola strains that affect people. Experts name the viruses that cause Ebola after the location in which they were first identified. They differ in their ability to cause symptoms and their severity.
- Bundibugyo ebolavirus (Bundibugyo virus): This causes Bundibugyo virus disease (BDBV). Its less likely to cause death than other types.
- Sudan ebolavirus (Sudan virus): This causes Sudan virus disease (SVD). It's more likely to be deadly.
- Taï Forest ebolavirus (Taï Forest virus): This causes Taï Forest virus disease (TAFV). This is the rarest cause of Ebola.
- Zaire ebolavirus (Ebola virus): This causes Ebola virus disease (EVD). EVD is the most common cause of Ebola outbreaks and deaths.
Ebola outbreak causes
Ebola outbreaks develop in countries of West, Central and East Africa. Ebola viruses start in:
· Antelope
· Fruit bats
· Nonhuman primates (apes and monkeys)
Symptoms of Sudan Virus Disease
The symptoms of SVD often begin suddenly and may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These initial signs are commonly followed by vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and impaired kidney and liver function. In some cases, the disease may also lead to both internal and external bleeding.
Transmission of Sudan Virus Disease
SVD spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from the virus. This includes:
· Contact through broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth)
· Exposure to blood or bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, or semen
· Contact with contaminated objects like clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment
· Sexual transmission via semen from a man who has recovered from SVD
Conclusion
The end of the Ebola Sudan virus outbreak in Uganda is a significant public health victory and a testament to the strength of coordinated national and international response efforts. However, this success must serve as a foundation for continued vigilance and investment in health security.
