By Aggrey Twesigye
A suspected Ebola case from Bushenyi District that had been referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital has tested negative for the virus, easing fears among health officials and residents.
The patient, a 22-year-old man, was referred for isolation and further assessment after presenting symptoms associated with Ebola. He had travelled from Kashenshero Sub-county in Mitooma District and reportedly developed symptoms on Sunday.
According to Bushenyi District Health Officer Dr. Stephen Twinomugisha, the patient exhibited general body weakness, headache, fever, and bleeding from the eyes and nose, prompting urgent referral.
Dr. Twinomugisha said laboratory results released on Monday confirmed the patient tested negative for Ebola.
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Public Relations Officer and regional Risk Communications Head, Halson Kagure, said the hospital has handled six Ebola alerts in the past three weeks, all of which tested negative after samples were analysed.
Kagure added that the patient from Mitooma did not meet the criteria for a suspected Ebola case after further medical assessment.
He noted that the hospital, with support from the Ministry of Health, has strengthened preparedness by refreshing response teams across triage centres to handle any potential Ebola cases.
