Ugandan health officials have confirmed the discharge of eight patients who recovered from the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus after testing negative twice. This marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to manage the outbreak.

The outbreak, reported last month, has resulted in one fatality and a total of eight infections. Meanwhile, 265 individuals identified for monitoring remain in quarantine as authorities continue to track potential cases.

This is Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak since the virus was first recorded in the country in 2000. The Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) is a highly infectious haemorrhagic fever transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Unlike the more common Zaire Ebola virus, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain. However, the Ugandan government recently launched a trial vaccine to help curb the spread.

The only recorded fatality in the latest outbreak was a 32-year-old male nurse.

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero urged the public to welcome the recovered patients back into their communities without stigma. “I urge their families and communities to receive and interact with them normally,” she said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) described the patients’ recovery as “an important milestone” in efforts to contain the outbreak. While the Sudan strain is typically severe, with a fatality rate of at least 40%, WHO noted that the current outbreak has shown a lower mortality rate.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Uganda works to prevent further spread of the virus.