Health Ministry Dismisses Viral Nipah Virus Outbreak Claims in Uganda

Health Ministry Dismisses Viral Nipah Virus Outbreak Claims in Uganda

The Ministry of Health has dismissed viral social media claims alleging a Nipah virus outbreak in Uganda.

In an official statement released on February 3, 2026, the Ministry clarified that Uganda has not registered any case or outbreak of Nipah virus. Health authorities stressed that the country’s disease surveillance and response systems remain fully operational and vigilant.

According to the Ministry, Uganda’s public health monitoring structures including event-based surveillance, community reporting mechanisms, and the national laboratory network have not detected any alerts, samples, or laboratory results suggestive of Nipah virus infection.

“The video circulating online is not based on any verified information,” the Ministry noted, urging the public to disregard and avoid sharing unverified content. Officials warned that misinformation can cause unnecessary fear, fuel public panic, and undermine ongoing public health interventions.

The Ministry of Health reassured Ugandans that it continues to work closely with national, regional, and international partners to monitor, detect, and respond to priority diseases. Any confirmed public health threat, the statement emphasized, will be promptly communicated through official Ministry of Health channels.

Uganda’s preparedness, the Ministry added, is built on years of investment in trained health responders, established rapid response systems, and access to medical countermeasures, enabling the country to swiftly manage potential public health emergencies.

The statement was signed by Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accuracy, and public safety.

As false health alerts continue to spread rapidly online, health experts advise the public to rely on official government sources for credible and timely information.

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