Lira Regional Referral Hospital has reassured the public after laboratory tests confirmed that a suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case reported in Lira City tested negative for the virus.
According to hospital authorities, the suspected case involved a 42-year-old male boda boda rider who was reported to the Medical Emergency Team on Saturday, June 6, after presenting symptoms commonly associated with Ebola, including vomiting blood, fever, severe headache, and general body weakness.
In line with national Ebola response protocols, the patient was safely evacuated and admitted to the hospital’s isolation unit, where medical personnel conducted comprehensive investigations under strict infection prevention and control measures.
Laboratory results released on Sunday, June 7, confirmed that the patient had tested negative for Ebola Virus Disease. However, despite efforts by medical staff to save his life, the patient later died from an underlying medical condition.
Further clinical assessments established liver failure as the primary cause of the illness and symptoms he exhibited, hospital officials said.
Lira Regional Referral Hospital extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
The Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur, said the facility has strengthened preparedness and response mechanisms since the declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the country to ensure all suspected cases are effectively managed and investigated.
Dr. Odur urged members of the public to remain vigilant, familiarize themselves with Ebola signs and symptoms, and continue observing recommended public health guidelines and standard operating procedures.
He also called upon health workers to maintain a high level of alertness when handling patients, emphasizing the need to promptly report any unusual symptoms or suspected cases to the District Surveillance Team and the Regional Medical Emergency Operations Centre for timely intervention.
Lira Regional Referral Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through early detection, rapid response, and strict adherence to national disease surveillance and outbreak response protocols.
