The person who fell ill in Hoima and developed symptoms similar to those of Ebola was not suffering from the deadly haemorrhagic fever, the Ministry of Health has said.

Ms Rukia Nakamatte, the Health ministry spokesperson, said samples from the patient taken to Uganda Virus Institute two days ago turned out negative for the Ebola virus, Marburg and Congo haemorrhagic fever.

“We are aware of the situation in Hoima District and we have already run tests. Currently, we are waiting for one more test which will be ready today (Thursday) but for the three haemorrhagic fevers, they were negative. We have also dispatched a team to the ground for further investigations,” Ms Nakamatte said.

There were fears in Hoima District of a possible Ebola outbreak after a Bunyoro Kitara kingdom royal guard died after showing the symptoms of the disease. Two people, including the guard’s wife were left bedridden, vomiting blood, with high temperatures and passing stool containing blood.

According to Dr Patrick Mwebaza, a senior hospital administrator at Hoima hospital, the deceased identified as Jackson Byamaka passed away on Wednesday shortly after returning from training at Bombo Army Barracks.

Study
The Ebola haemorrhagic fever has a fatality rate of between 70 per cent and 90 per cent which means most of its victims end up dying according to the World Health Organisation and Centers for Disease Control.