The wife, child, and mother of a Mulago nurse who recently succumbed to the Sudan Ebola virus have also tested positive for the disease, according to health officials. The Ministry of Health’s surveillance teams tracked them down over the weekend.
Reports indicate that the deceased nurse, who worked at Mulago National Referral Hospital, had relatives in Mafubira Zone A, Northern Division, Jinja City.
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Following his passing, his wife (whose name has been withheld) traveled to Jinja City with one of their children. She was located on Friday, tested positive for Ebola, and is currently receiving treatment at Mulago Hospital. However, she had left the child in the care of the grandmother.
On Saturday, the child developed fever-like symptoms. Initially, the grandmother sought treatment at a nearby drug shop, but as the condition worsened, she rushed the child to Jinja Hospital. Upon disclosing their relationship with the deceased nurse, both the grandmother and child were transferred to Mulago Hospital, where the child tested positive for Ebola on Sunday.
By Monday afternoon, health authorities had sealed off the nurse’s drug shop and home, visited two schools where his children were enrolled, and transported the students to their respective parents for screening.
Five families were advised to board the surveillance team’s ambulance for further assessment at Mulago Hospital. Officials also fumigated the nurse’s home and surrounding properties within a 50-meter radius, while residents were sensitized on preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding handshakes.
The surveillance team urged anyone experiencing Ebola-like symptoms—including fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding—to seek immediate medical attention at Jinja Hospital.
While Jinja City’s health department has yet to release an official statement, Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume confirmed the presence of Ebola cases in the area. He added that district surveillance teams would hold a meeting today to provide further updates to the public.
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