Ebola in Uganda

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions
Area of Uganda with outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD)
Map: Area of Uganda with Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak (see larger map)
What is Sudan virus disease?

Sudan virus disease (SVD) is a rare and deadly disease that has, at times, caused outbreaks in several African countries.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness).

SVD is spread by contact with blood or body fluids of a person infected with or has died from Sudan virus. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects (such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment) or by contact with animals, such as bats and nonhuman primates, that are infected with Sudan virus.

Key points

  • Uganda is experiencing an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) in Kampala (see map). SVD is a type of Ebola disease caused by infection with the Sudan virus.
  • No vaccines or therapeutics have been approved for the prevention or treatment of SVD.
  • Local health authorities in Uganda are working to identify infected people and sources of transmission, conduct investigations, take action to prevent further transmission, and educate communities and the public about the risks and dangers of SVD.
  • If you travel to Uganda, you should:
    • Review Health Information for Travelers to Uganda to find out about routine precautions travelers should take when traveling to Uganda.
    • Consider getting travel insurance before you travel, including health and medical evacuation insurance, to cover yourself in case delays, injuries, or illnesses occur on your trip.
    • Avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain, and rash.
    • Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.
    • Avoid contact with dead bodies or items that have been in contact with dead bodies, participating in funeral or burial rituals, or attending a funeral or burial.
    • Avoid contact with bats, forest antelopes, nonhuman primates (e.g., chimpanzees, gorillas), and blood, fluids, or raw meat from these or unknown animals.
  • Watch your health for symptoms of SVD while in the outbreak area and for 21 days after leaving. If you develop fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, chest pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness):
    • Separate yourself from others (isolate) immediately.
    • Do not travel.
    • Contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility for advice. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting health authorities and taking any precautions needed to protect staff and other patients.

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