The last patient treated for Ebola in Uganda has been discharged from hospital, leaving the country with no confirmed active cases of the deadly disease.

At a memorial ceremony, Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi described it as “a moment of joy.”

The first case of this outbreak of the Bundibugyo species of the virus in Uganda was confirmed in May. The patient was a man who had traveled from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, to receive medical treatment.

Authorities are struggling to contain the spread and the United States has expanded travel restrictions on American citizens who have been to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In Uganda, a 42-day countdown has begun before it can be officially declared Ebola-free, provided no new infections emerge.

“This shows that with early detection, timely treatment and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated,” said the Minister of Health.

However, his ministry has urged people to “remain vigilant.”

“If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained bleeding, seek immediate medical attention,” he said in a statement on X.

In total, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, mostly among visitors from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and two deaths.

Uganda has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the past two decades and now has well-established protocols to deal with the virus. These include isolation of suspected cases and contact tracing, as well as specific public health messages.