Audio By Carbonatix
Uganda has discharged eight patients who have recovered from the Sudan strain of Ebola after they tested negative twice, health officials have said.
The disease has killed one person and infected eight others since an outbreak was reported last month, but 265 people, who were listed for monitoring, remain in quarantine.
This is the eighth Ebola outbreak in Uganda since the first infection was recorded in 2000.
The Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) is a highly infectious haemorrhagic fever which is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. It is one of several strains of the Ebola virus known to cause outbreaks.
Unlike the more common Zaire Ebola virus, there is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain.
However, the government launched a trial vaccine earlier this month.
Only a 32-year-old male nurse is known to have died in the latest outbreak.
Uganda's Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero confirmed the discharge of the eight patients, and said they should not be stigmatised.
"I urge their families and communities to receive and interact with them normally," the minister added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said their recovery was "an important milestone" in efforts to contain the outbreak.
The Sudan strain is severe, normally killing at least 40% of those infected, but the fatality rate this time is low, WHO said.
Latest Stories
-
Livestream: To nationalise or Transform? Joy Business hosts roundtable on Ghana’s extractive future
9 minutes -
African Games 2023: Former Sports Minister and LOC Chairman ordered by Auditor-General to refund GHC 579m
13 minutes -
The Build Project expands its reach with the addition of Joy News
20 minutes -
EPA ban on ‘Takeaway Packs’: Good move, but long overdue and not enough
31 minutes -
2026 World Cup: ‘Don’t write off Ghana’ – Kwesi Nyantakyi on Black Stars chances
31 minutes -
The case for appointing a substantive Defence Minister; President Mahama must see the urgency
40 minutes -
Photos: President Mahama launches e-Visa portal
47 minutes -
GNFS trains Gambibgo health staff on fire safety
55 minutes -
Asante Kotoko target UK-born Ghanaian coach as club hunts for permanent manager
56 minutes -
China executes man for murdering prominent gaming tycoon
58 minutes -
Ghana’s energy challenges: ‘Déjà Vu’ all over again?
1 hour -
Academics push for integration of climate science into basic education system
1 hour -
Port cost reforms necessary, but must reflect collective interests
2 hours -
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang joins Guyana Independence celebrations
2 hours -
Parliament launches ‘Mini Parliament’ to give children a voice in national decision-making
2 hours