Lira, Uganda – Health authorities in Lira City have swiftly responded to a suspected Ebola case at Uganda Christian Institute (UCI) Boroboro.
The student, who arrived from Bundibugyo District on February 4, developed symptoms that raised concern, prompting immediate isolation and testing at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Lira City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole addressed students and staff at UCI on February 5, urging calm while emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
He confirmed that the affected student had been isolated and transferred to the hospital for further examination.
While Ebola had not been confirmed, he stressed that precautionary measures were necessary.
Students were instructed to remain in their dormitories, with those who shared a room with the affected student advised to isolate.
Classes were suspended and movement beyond the school gate was restricted until test results were available.
The Principal of UCI’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isaac Ayo, stated that the institution took immediate action upon noticing a student with concerning symptoms.
The school informed health authorities, who quickly responded by assessing the situation and isolating the student. Samples were sent to Entebbe for confirmation.
In the meantime, the affected dormitory was disinfected and a school task force was formed to monitor the situation.
Despite these measures, UCI Director Sam Omara dismissed reports of a suspected Ebola case at the institution, claiming he had received no official communication from the city health team.
His statement contradicted accounts from students who confirmed seeing health officials take the student away.
This incident comes as Uganda faces a confirmed Ebola Sudan outbreak.
The Ministry of Health declared the outbreak on January 30 following the death of a male nurse in Kampala.
Since then, six additional cases have been recorded, including two health workers, with over 200 contacts under institutional quarantine.
Kampala, Wakiso and Mbale have been identified as high-risk districts.
In response, 500 health workers have been vaccinated and an additional 2,460 vaccine doses are available.
The government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is set to roll out a three-month response plan on February 8.
Lira City Health Officer, Dr. Bernard Otucu, has remained unavailable for comment. Despite repeated attempts to reach him, our reporter did not receive a response, raising concerns about the communication surrounding the case.
Authorities continue to urge vigilance, encouraging the public to observe hygiene practices, avoid unnecessary physical contact and report any suspected cases immediately.
