A suspected Ebola patient admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital has tested negative for the virus, bringing temporary relief to the Lango Sub-region amid heightened national surveillance. However, despite medical interventions, the patient ultimately succumbed to liver failure.
The 42-year-old boda boda rider and resident of Lira City was rushed to the facility on June 6, 2026, presenting with severe symptoms mirroring Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). According to medical reports, the patient exhibited a high fever, headache, muscle pain, general body malaise, coughing, and vomiting blood.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, the Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur, confirmed that strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were immediately activated upon the patient’s arrival.
‘In line with national Ebola response protocols, the patient was safely evacuated and admitted to the hospital’s isolation unit, where comprehensive investigations were conducted under strict infection prevention and control measures,’ Dr. Odur said.
While laboratory results returned on June 7 confirmed the patient was free of Ebola, his condition deteriorated. Further clinical assessments later established that liver failure was the primary cause of his illness and the dramatic symptoms he exhibited. The hospital administration has since extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family.
The scare comes at a time when Uganda is on high alert. As of June 8, 2026, the country had registered 19 confirmed Ebola cases, including 14 imported from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and five Ugandan nationals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively supporting the country’s response, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus previously praising Uganda’s prompt containment actions.
Dr Odur emphasized that since the outbreak was declared, Lira Regional Referral Hospital has drastically strengthened its response mechanisms to isolate and investigate threats rapidly. He urged both health workers and the public to remain highly vigilant, memorize Ebola symptoms, and adhere to public health guidelines.
‘Lira Regional Referral Hospital remains committed to safeguarding public health through early detection, rapid response, and adherence to national disease surveillance,’ Dr. Odur maintained, urging the public to promptly report any unusual symptoms to the District Surveillance Team.