SUDV, one death in a new outbreak in Uganda

The Sudan virus disease (SUDV) has been reported with the first confirmed case in a nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital in the capital city of Kampala, Uganda, who has since died. However, no other healthcare workers or patients have shown symptoms of the disease. A total of 45 contacts have been identified, including healthcare workers and family members of the confirmed case, who are currently under close monitoring. SUVD is a disease of humans and other primates caused by Orthoebolavirus sudanense, a virus species in the same genus as the Ebola virus. Case fatality rates from SUVD have ranged from 41% to 100% in past outbreaks. There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for the Sudan virus; nevertheless, early initiation of supportive treatment significantly reduces deaths from SUDV disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated $1 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies to accelerate a rapid response to contain the virus. It is also preparing medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, to be delivered to Uganda from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi. Despite the absence of licensed vaccines for SUVD, the WHO is collaborating with vaccine developers to distribute candidate vaccines as a complement to other public health measures.