Ministry confirms South Sudan remains Ebola-free after 10 cases test negative

The Ministry of Health says all 10 suspected Ebola cases have tested negative, confirming that the country remains free of the deadly disease.

According to the ministry, samples from the suspected cases were collected from Juba, Yambio, and Nimule.

Speaking to the media in Juba this morning, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Orono Francis, said no confirmed Ebola case has been detected in South Sudan so far.

However, he warned that the risk of the virus being imported remains high due to the country’s proximity to affected areas.

“Efforts on preparedness and response are still continuing, but with much emphasis on the 15 high-risk counties that are bordering both DRC and Uganda. As of today, we have so far tested 10 suspected cases and all turn negatively,” he said.

Dr. Orono said preparedness and response efforts are being strengthened, especially in the 15 high-risk counties bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“So, we really want to make sure that every suspected case we test is negative, but the risk continues to be high. Most of our cases got some from Juba, others from Yambio and also Nimule. On the cumulative 10, we have like four from Yambio, four from Juba and two from Nimule,” he added.

Dr. Orono said the Ministry of Health continues to strengthen surveillance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the country remains prepared for any possible Ebola case.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, follow preventive measures, report suspected Ebola symptoms to the nearest health facility immediately, and avoid spreading misinformation.

Dr. Orono stressed that early detection and timely reporting are key to preventing an Ebola outbreak in South Sudan.