Health authorities in Uganda have confirmed an isolated case of Marburg virus disease, a serious and highly infectious haemorrhagic fever, according to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).The case was identified during routine disease surveillance activities that were also focusing on an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country.The infection was detected in Kyegegwa district in western Uganda and involved a 1-and-a-half-year-old child who unfortunately died.

Despite the confirmation of this case, health officials have reported that no contacts linked to the case have developed any symptoms so far, and there is currently no active Marburg outbreak in Uganda.

The Africa CDC has stated that it is working closely with Ugandan authorities through official public health channels to verify reports and support response readiness.The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been informed of the case since 30 June and has shared the information with its member states.

WHO officials say they are supporting Uganda with case investigation, contact tracing, active case finding, and community engagement to prevent any possible spread.Uganda’s Ministry of Health noted it had not declared any outbreak of Marburg at this stage.The country has experienced Marburg outbreaks before, with the last one occurring in 2017 and three other outbreaks recorded in earlier years.

In addition, Uganda is currently dealing with an Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak linked to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, with 20 confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths reported.

Health agencies have emphasized that responding to Marburg requires similar control measures as Ebola, including isolation, monitoring of contacts, and strong infection prevention systems.Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure there is no further transmission.