Makerere University Public Health students recount hands-on experience in Ebola case finding in Uganda

The first day of the case-finding activity began with an orientation session at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) offices at the Ministry of Health (MoH). The briefing was led by Dr. Wenani Daniel, Lubwaama Bernard, and Mr. Daniel Kadobera, who provided an overview of the current status of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak caused by Sudan ebolavirus (SEBV) in central Uganda. A key focus of the session was adherence to strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures including maintaining a safe distance, avoiding direct contact, refraining from entering homes, and not eating or drinking in the field.

To enhance efficiency, the team was divided into three groups, ensuring that each group included at least one clinician for proper assessment of inpatient department (IPD) registers and patient files. The groups were then deployed to their respective sites: Saidinah Abubakar Islamic Hospital, Mulago National Referral Hospital, and a buffer zone within a 2km radius around Saidinah Hospital.

At each site, the teams reviewed inpatient and outpatient medical records, particularly in cases where IPD records were unavailable. When patient signs and symptoms suggested a potential Ebola infection, their files were retrieved and analyzed against the case definition for suspected cases. If a patient met the suspected case criteria, key details such as name, age, sex, residence, and clinical presentation were recorded for further investigation.

At the end of the day, all teams reconvened for a washout session to share findings and reflect on the day’s work. Despite the exhaustion, the experience was immensely fulfilling. It provided an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a real-world outbreak investigation, reinforcing both theoretical learning and practical expertise in public health emergency response.