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.
Siraji Masai, the Kapchorwa District Health Officer (DHO), said the laboratory results have returned negative for Ebola Virus Disease. “The patient remains under medical care as health workers continue to investigate the actual cause of the illness,” Masai said.
He commended the prompt response by the school administration and district surveillance teams, noting that their quick action enabled health workers to assess and manage the suspected case without delay.
Masai urged residents to remain vigilant and continue observing public health measures, including regular hand washing, avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons and promptly reporting any suspected symptoms to health authorities.
The student, a resident of Kwemo Parish in Chema Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, was isolated after developing symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including severe headache, fever, loss of appetite and vomiting blood while at school.
Johnson Limo, the Headteacher of Sebei College Tegeres, thanked the health workers and district authorities for their cooperation during the period of uncertainty. He said the school acted immediately after noticing the student’s condition and notified the relevant authorities in line with established health guidelines.
“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”
According to Limo, the school remains committed to enforcing all standard operating procedures and health guidelines to safeguard learners, teachers and the entire school community.
The suspected case had prompted heightened surveillance efforts in the district as health officials awaited laboratory confirmation. District health teams intensified monitoring and precautionary measures at the school and within the student’s home area.
Uganda has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years, prompting authorities to maintain surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms aimed at detecting and containing suspected cases before they spread within communities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
