Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on , in the Kyankwanzi District of central Uganda. The case involves a 21-year-old male nurse from Kagalama Village, Butemba Town Council.
According to a statement from the Ministry, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the CCHF virus. The patient initially sought care at a local drug shop before being admitted to St. Peter’s Hospital in the neighboring Kiboga District on . He had been experiencing symptoms for three days, including non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pains, conjunctivitis, epigastric burning pain, chest pain and unexplained bleeding from the nose and gums.
CCHF is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family. It can lead to severe viral hemorrhagic fever, with a case fatality rate ranging from 10% to 40%. The virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues, particularly during and immediately after slaughter.
The index case in Uganda is notable as the patient is a livestock keeper and also operates a private drug shop, potentially increasing his exposure risk. Health authorities have identified eight contacts who are currently under follow-up in both Kyankwanzi and Kiboga Districts. Active case searching and alert verification have been initiated, and a health surveillance team has been deployed to the area.
The Ministry of Health reports that the patient has been isolated, and supportive treatment has begun. A case investigation form has been completed to gather detailed information about the patient’s exposure and potential sources of infection.
While this is the first confirmed case reported in Uganda in 2026, outbreaks of CCHF have occurred previously in the country. Recent outbreaks have been linked to the presence of ticks, particularly the Hyalomma genus, which are known to be primary vectors of the virus. A study published in highlighted the ongoing challenges of CCHF outbreaks in Uganda and other African countries, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and control measures.
In 2024, Uganda reported twenty cases of CCHF (8 confirmed, 4 probable, and 8 suspected), resulting in four deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 40%. Another case was reported in in the Kyegegwa district. The Uganda Virus Research Institute confirmed the case using PCR testing.
The majority of CCHF cases occur in individuals working in the livestock industry, including agricultural workers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinarians. However, human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly through close contact with infected individuals’ blood or bodily fluids.
Preventative measures include avoiding tick bites by using protective clothing and repellents, practicing safe animal handling techniques, and avoiding contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals. Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing CCHF cases and improving patient outcomes. Given the potential for human-to-human transmission, strict infection control measures are essential in healthcare settings.
Health officials are continuing to investigate the current case to determine the source of infection and to implement appropriate control measures to prevent further spread of the virus. The ongoing surveillance and rapid response efforts are critical in mitigating the impact of CCHF outbreaks in Uganda.
