Health authorities in Uganda have confirmed an isolated case of the Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. The detection was made while the country was already conducting active surveillance for an ongoing Ebola outbreak, according to reports from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The case was identified in the Kyegegwa district of western Uganda, where a 1½-year-old child tragically passed away after contracting the virus. According to the Africa CDC, contact tracing is underway, and to date, none of the individuals who had contact with the child have exhibited symptoms. At this time, there are no other active cases of the virus reported within the country.
Saran Koly, a spokesperson for the Africa CDC, confirmed that the agency is collaborating closely with the Ugandan government through established public health channels. “At this stage, we cannot confirm reports of any additional cases,” Koly stated, adding that the organization remains ready to support further verification, risk assessment, and response efforts as the situation evolves.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that it was notified of the case on June 30, 2026, and has since alerted its member states. A WHO spokesperson noted that the organization has requested additional information and is actively supporting the local response. This support includes case investigation, community engagement, and rigorous contact tracing to ensure the virus is contained.
While a spokesperson for the Ugandan Ministry of Health stated they were not formally aware of a wider Marburg outbreak, global health partners emphasized that the response protocols for Marburg are consistent with those used to combat Ebola. These measures involve strict isolation, clinical management, and intensive surveillance to prevent further transmission.
Uganda has a history of managing such outbreaks, with the last recorded Marburg case occurring in 2017. Currently, the nation is navigating a dual health challenge, as it is also addressing an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has been linked to an emergency in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. So far, 20 cases of Ebola have been identified in Uganda, resulting in two deaths.
Public health experts stress that the Marburg virus is highly dangerous, characterized by sudden fever, severe headaches, and, in advanced stages, internal and external bleeding. The Africa CDC and WHO continue to urge vigilance and are providing the necessary technical and logistical assistance to help Uganda’s health system maintain control over these outbreaks and prevent them from spreading across borders.
