Ebola scare in Hoima District
Medical officers in Hoima District put on protective gears before handling a dissected Ebola case on February 4, 2019. Courtesy photo
What you need to know:
The deceased was a resident of Kitongole village, Kibugubya parish in Kyabigambire Sub County.
Hoima District shares a boarder with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the Ebola outbreak has been confirmed.
Some residents of Hoima District in western Uganda have been left scared after a 19-year-old man died with symptoms similar to those of Ebola.
Concerned residents of Kyarwabuyamba cell in Hoima municipality told medics who visited the area for an investigation that the man died after a short illness.
He reportedly developed acute fever before he died.
"He had fever, headache, vomiting blood and today he became unconscious," said a caretaker who requested not to be named for fear of being stigmatised.
However, the care taker started exhibiting similar symptoms shortly.
Two samples were taken off the body before it was taken to Munteme village in Kiziranfumbi for burial, said Fredrick Byenume, the Hoima District health inspector.
Medics rushed to the scene dressed in protective gear, obtained samples from the deceased and used a no touch technique of burying the deceased.
According to medics, preliminary results from samples obtained from the deceased and the caretaker have tested positive for Hepatitis B virus.
However, samples have also been dispatched to the Uganda virus research institute (URVI) for further investigation.
"We are investigating a complaint from the community where members accused the affected family of refusing to take medicine which they receive from hospitals," Mr Byenume said.
Medics have put the affected family under close medical surveillance after three family members tested positive for Hepatitis B.
The Hoima District Health Officer, Dr Joseph Ruyonga has urged residents of Hoima to remain calm but report any suspicious illnesses in their communities to health officials.
He said medical officials are on alert to respond to any illness.
In November last year, there was tension in Hoima District after a 31-year-old Boda Boda cyclist died with symptoms similar to those of Ebola.
According to medics, Simon Chadia died after intense vomiting of blood. He reportedly had red eyes, passing watery stool and with high fever.
The deceased was a resident of Kitongole village, Kibugubya parish in Kyabigambire Sub County.
Hoima District shares a boarder with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the Ebola outbreak has been confirmed.
