Uganda Bans Handshakes After Two Ebola Cases Cross From Congo

Uganda's Ministry of Health announced a temporary ban on handshakes and other forms of physical greeting after two Ebola cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo crossed into the country. Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine said the measure aims to reduce physical contact and limit further transmission of the virus.

One confirmed patient, a Congolese national, died at Kibuli Muslim Hospital. A second patient is receiving treatment at an isolation center at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Surveillance and response teams have been deployed to trace contacts and monitor possible exposure points. Health officials are urging the public to avoid handshakes, hugs, and unnecessary physical contact, noting that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

The ministry advised the public to maintain strict hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing with soap, use of alcohol-based sanitizers, and immediate reporting of suspected symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding, and severe body weakness.

Authorities called for calm and said rapid response teams are conducting contact tracing and strengthening surveillance at hospitals, border points, and public spaces. Dr Atwine said the situation remains under control and noted that Uganda's health system has experience handling Ebola emergencies.

Uganda has previously contained several Ebola outbreaks, with officials citing improved emergency response systems and stronger disease surveillance mechanisms.