Kapchorwa Ebola Suspect Tests Negative, Health Officials Confirm
By Skika Reporter.
Health authorities in Kapchorwa District have confirmed that a suspected Ebola case involving a Senior Two student at Sebei College Tegeres has tested negative for the virus, easing fears of a possible outbreak in the Sebei Sub-region.
The student had been isolated after developing symptoms commonly associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including severe headache, fever, loss of appetite and vomiting blood while at school.
Kapchorwa District Health Officer, Dr. Siraji Masai, said laboratory tests conducted on samples from the student returned negative results for Ebola Virus Disease.
“The patient remains under medical care as health workers continue to investigate the actual cause of the illness,” Dr. Masai said.
He commended the school administration and district surveillance teams for their swift response, noting that prompt action enabled health workers to assess and manage the suspected case without delay.
Dr. Masai urged residents to remain vigilant and continue observing public health measures, including regular hand washing, avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids from sick individuals, and reporting suspected symptoms to health authorities promptly.
The student is a resident of Kwemo Parish in Chema Sub-county, Kapchorwa District.
The suspected case had triggered heightened surveillance and precautionary measures in the district as health officials awaited laboratory confirmation. District health teams intensified monitoring activities both at the school and within the student’s home community.
Sebei College Tegeres Headteacher Johnson Limo thanked health workers and district authorities for their support and cooperation throughout the period of uncertainty.
“We thank the health authorities for their quick response and the parents for remaining calm and cooperative. The results have confirmed that the student does not have Ebola, and we want to assure all parents that the school remains safe,” Limo said.
He added that the school remains committed to enforcing all standard operating procedures and public health guidelines to protect learners, teachers and the wider school community.
The negative test result comes as a relief to residents and education stakeholders in the district, following concerns that the suspected case could signal the emergence of an Ebola outbreak in the region.
Uganda has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms aimed at detecting and containing suspected cases before they spread within communities.
