Yei Health Authorities Dismiss Rumors Over Suspected Ebola-Related Deaths

The reported incident occurred three weeks ago in Senema Village, Otogo Payam. Local residents informed county officials that a father and his son had died after exhibiting symptoms they believed to be consistent with Ebola Virus Disease, including bleeding from private parts and other body organs. The reports caused panic within the community, prompting the County Health Department to dispatch a team of public health officials on Monday to investigate the situation. Speaking to Access Radio on Tuesday afternoon, Yei River County Health Director Simon Sebit said the investigation confirmed that the two individuals did not die from Ebola. He explained that the illness responsible for their deaths was unrelated to Ebola and did not match its known signs and symptoms. Sebit added that health authorities will conduct public awareness campaigns through local radio stations to reassure residents that there are no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases in Yei River County.

“This rumor originated from Senema in Otogo Payam, which borders Morobo County and is still far from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I received the report from a community chief in the area, and we sent a team to investigate. The team confirmed that although there were reports of bleeding, the deaths, which occurred three weeks ago, were not caused by Ebola,” Sebit said.

He further noted that health authorities have established screening points in Ombaci and at border areas in Otogo Payam as a precautionary measure. Sebit urged the public in both Yei and Juba to avoid spreading unverified information, emphasizing the importance of confirming reports with the County Health Department.

“I want to assure the public in Yei and Juba that there is no Ebola case in Yei River County. People should avoid spreading rumors and false information. It is always important to verify information with the relevant health authorities to prevent panic caused by misinformation,” he added.

Yei River County, a key commercial hub in Central Equatoria State, shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where Ebola outbreaks have previously been reported. The county also has multiple porous entry points into the DRC, raising concerns among observers about the potential rapid spread of infectious diseases into vulnerable, conflict-affected areas through Yei.