This session is part of the ESAR RCCE Media Dialogue Series

On 20 September 2022, after receiving lab confirmation that a patient from a village in central Uganda had tested positive for Ebola, the Ugandan health authorities declared an Ebola outbreak caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV). By September 25, a total of 18 confirmed and 18 probable cases had been reported from Mubende, Kyegegwa and Kassanda districts in Uganda, in addition to 23 deaths. This is the first Ebola disease outbreak caused by Sudan virus (SUDV) in Uganda since 2012.

The World Health Organization says that the Sudan virus is severe and often fatal. It was first reported in 1976 in southern Sudan. Since then the virus has emerged six more times, four times in Uganda and three times in Sudan. The estimated case fatality ratios of SUVD have varied from 41 percent to 100 percent.

In this webinar supported by the ESAR RCCE Media Dialogue series, two health experts are in conversation about this medical emergency in east and central Africa.

Dr. Otim Patrick Cossy Ramadan, Health Emergency Officer, Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster, World Health Organization in Brazzaville explains the science of Ebola and the latest news on mitigating its spread. Dr. Michael Gubay of South Sudan shares his experience with Ebola outbreaks and he’ll provide some guidance for journalists on how to avoid spreading false information, stereotypes, and stigmatizing of people based on the names given to various Ebola strains.