Fact-check: Suspected Ebola case in Nimule? True 

The suspected case was identified in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State, with similar Ebola signs. However, it’s only the laboratory test that will confirm whether he has the Ebola virus or not, according to health authorities.

By Jibi Moses

A message widely shared on WhatsApp on September 28, 2022, claimed that a suspected case of Ebola was reported in the border town of Nimule at 3 PM that day.

The claim was also viral on Facebook, as can be seen here.

“I got a call at 3pm from Nimule about an alert case of a South Sudanese, male who was coming from Morobi camp in Moyo district, spent some short time in Miligo adjumani District till the morning of that day.He was identified vomiting blod, had difficulty in breathing, had high fever, coughing and with yellow eyes as per the medical team in Nimule,” the WhatsApp message reads.

Nimule Hospital medical director Silvesto Nyumba told Radio Tamazuj that samples from the suspect, who is now in isolation, were taken to Juba for investigations, and the results are expected today, Friday.

When contacted by 211 Check, Kabaka Quintuous Leone, a journalist who widely reports on Eastern Equatoria State confirmed that the claim of the suspected case is true and that the suspect was put in isolation after his samples were taken to Juba for analysis.

Public urged to observe safety measures to avoid Ebola virus:

The Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng, called on the public, especially travellers to embrace safety measures by regularly washing hands and other sanitary measures to avoid contracting the Ebola virus, according to a report by Eye Radio.

What is Ebola Virus Disease?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a deadly disease with occasional outbreaks that occur mostly on the African continent. EVD most commonly affects people and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by an infection with a group of viruses within the genus Ebolavirus.

Read more about the Ebola virus disease on the websites for the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Conclusion:

The claim that there is a suspected Ebola case alert is true. The suspected case was identified in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State, with similar Ebola signs. However, it’s only the laboratory test that will confirm whether he has the Ebola virus or not, according to health authorities.