ETIDIOH - NEW

ABSTRACT A cocktail of human monoclonal antibodies 1C3 and 1C11 previously protected macaques from a lethal exposure to either Ebola virus (EBOV) or Sudan virus (SUDV). 1C3 is of particular interest because its paratope strongly binds with unique stoichiometry to the glycoprotein head of several orthoebolaviruses , resulting in neutralization of EBOV and SUDV . Therefore, we evaluated the protective activity of 1C3 as a standalone therapeutic in macaques exposed to either EBOV or SUDV. Two doses of 1C3 monotherapy, administered 4 and 7 days post-exposure, did not protect SUDV-exposed macaques and partially protected EBOV-exposed macaques . Notably, in a macaque that succumbed to EBOV infection, we identified two mutually exclusive escape mutations that emerged immediately after the first dose and resulted in two amino acid changes at the 1C3 binding site . We also detected a subconsensus treatment-emergent mutation likely affecting the 1C3 binding site in all three deceased SUDV-expose...

Abstract Background .  Sudan virus (SUDV) has caused multiple outbreaks in Uganda over the past two decades, leading to significant morbidity and mortality . The recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2025 highlight the ongoing threat posed by SUDV and the challenges in its containment. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological patterns and phylogenomic evolution of SUDV outbreaks in Uganda, identifying key factors influencing transmission and disease severity.  Methods .  We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing epidemiological and genomic data from SUDV outbreaks in Uganda between 2000 and 2025. Epidemiological data were collected from official sources, including the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, supplemented with reports from public health organizations. Genomic sequences of SUDV were analyzed to investigate viral evolution and identify genetic variations associated with pathogenicity and transmissibility.  Results...

Abstract The Sudan virus (SUDV) outbreaks in Uganda in 2022 and 2025 created public health concerns in-country and the entire East African region. There are currently no licensed countermeasures against SUDV . We developed a SUDV vaccine candidate based on a nanocarrier (LIONTM) complexed with an alphavirus-based replicon RNA . Here, we compare the protective efficacy of the LION-SUDV vaccine either encoding the SUDV glycoprotein (GP) alone or in combination with the Ebola virus (EBOV) GP (LION-Combination). A LION-EBOV vaccine which is protective against EBOV was also included to determine the potential for cross-protection against SUDV infection . Single-dose vaccinations were conducted three weeks before challenge with a lethal dose of guinea pig-adapted SUDV using a female guinea pig disease model. We demonstrate 100% survival and protection with the LION-SUDV and the LION-Combination vaccines, while the LION-EBOV vaccine achieved 50% protection. Antigen-specific humoral responses ...

{Summary} Situation at a glance On 26 April 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Uganda declared the end of the Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with SVD tested negative for the virus on 14 March 2025.  A total of 14 SVD cases (including 12 confirmed cases and two probable cases) including four deaths (two confirmed and two probable) have been reported during this outbreak.  WHO and partners provided technical , operational and financial support to the government to contain the outbreak.  Although the outbreak has been declared over , health authorities are maintaining surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence.  Risk communication and community engagement will also continue to ensure the community stay informed and stigma to those who were affected is minimized. (...) Source: World Health Organization,  https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-o...

Situation at a glance Since the outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) was declared in Uganda on 30 January 2025, and as of 5 March 2025, a total of 14 cases (including 12 confirmed cases and two probable cases) including four deaths (two confirmed and two probable) have been reported.  On 1 March 2025, the Ministry of Health released a press statement confirming the tenth case . The patient was a child under 5 years old who presented and died in the Mulago hospital on 23 February 2025.  As of 5 March, two additional confirmed cases and two probable deaths have been reported that are linked to this case. Both of these cases are currently admitted to treatment facilities.  Eight confirmed cases received care at treatment centres in the capital Kampala and in Mbale and were discharged on 18 February 2025.  As of 5 March 2025, 192 new contacts have been identified and are under follow-up in Kampala, Ntoroko and Wakiso. In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics...

{Excerpt} Situation at a glance As of 20 February 2025, a total of nine confirmed cases of Sudan virus disease, including one death have been reported from Uganda , since the outbreak was declared on 30 January 2025. Eight cases received care at treatment centres in the capital Kampala and in Mbale and were discharged on 18 February after two negative tests 72 hours apart.  As of 20 February 2025, 58 contacts that have been identified are still under follow up in designated quarantine facilities located in Jinja, Kampala,and Mbale .  Sudan virus disease belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease . It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality ranging from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks. In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high. Early detection, diagnosis, and optimized supportive care may increase the chance of survival. Desc...

{Excerpt} On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan Ebola virus (SUDV). The outbreak was declared just 3 hours after laboratory confirmation at two national reference laboratories, consistent with International Health Regulations. The index case was detected at Mulago Specialized National Hospital in Kampala, Uganda1. (...) Source: Nature Medicine,  https://www.nature.com/articles/d41591-025-00012-0 _____

{Excerpt} In a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency . The principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, have worked tirelessly to get the trial ready in 4 days since the outbreak was confirmed on 30 January. It is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola disease due to Sudan virus . The speed was achieved through advanced research preparedness, while ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical requirements. The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI , with financial support from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and...

Situation at a glance On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) following confirmation from three national reference laboratories.  The case presented with signs and symptoms between 20 and 21 January and died on 29 January at the National Referral Hospital in Kampala.  As of 30 January 2025, 45 contacts have been identified , including 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members.  Sudan virus disease belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks.  In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high.  Early supportive patient care and treatment may increase the chance of survival from severe disease. Description of the situation On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda de...

Brazzaville/Kampala – Following the confirmation of an outbreak of Sudan virus disease – which belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease – in Uganda today, World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing efforts to support the national health authorities to swiftly contain and end the outbreak .  WHO is deploying senior public health experts and mobilizing staff from the country office to support all the key outbreak response measures. In addition, the Organization has allocated US$ 1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to help accelerate early action, and is readying medical supplies, including personal protective equipment to deliver to Uganda from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi.  While there are no licensed vaccines for the Sudan virus disease , WHO is coordinating with developers to deploy candidate vaccines as an addition to the other public health measures. The vaccines will be deployed once all administrative and regulatory approvals are obtai...