Buliisa intensifies Ebola surveillance at entry points

Buliisa: Health authorities in Buliisa District have intensified Ebola surveillance and screening measures at major entry points following renewed Ebola concerns linked to the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The district health educator, Robert Mugabe, revealed the development during a District Ebola Taskforce meeting held on Monday at the district headquarters.

According to Mugabe, health screening operations have been strengthened at Wanseko Ferry Crossing and Butiaba Landing Site, which are considered key entry routes into Uganda.

He explained that health teams are carrying out continuous screening of travelers and communities using the water transport routes in an effort to prevent the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease into the district.

Health officials reminded residents that Ebola spreads through direct contact with body fluids of an infected person, including blood, saliva, urine, sweat, vomit, and faeces.

Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant for symptoms such as severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting blood, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding from body openings.

Mugabe noted that no confirmed Ebola case has so far been registered in Buliisa District, although suspected cases have been reported in neighboring Hoima District.

He further revealed that Hoima Regional Referral Hospital is currently handling three suspected Ebola cases, including one patient reportedly brought from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Runga Landing Site in Kiganja Sub-county, Hoima District. Investigations into the cases are ongoing.

Mugabe appealed to residents to practice regular handwashing and strictly follow public health guidelines to help prevent the spread of the disease.

The Resident District Commissioner of Buliisa, Longino Bahebwa Byagagaire, who also chairs the District Ebola Taskforce, urged the public to immediately report any suspected Ebola cases to health authorities.

He emphasized the importance of handwashing in churches, schools, markets, burial ceremonies, and other public gatherings.

Meanwhile, Atuhairwe Wandera Twari, the Buliisa District LC5 Chairperson appealed to residents to cooperate fully with health officials and comply with all Ebola prevention measures.

In a related development, the annual pilgrimage to Kooki Haibaale to honor Saint Andrea Kaahwa has been postponed indefinitely due to the Ebola scare.

The pilgrimage, usually held every year on May 26, was suspended following reports of a suspected Ebola case in Runga Village in Hoima District.

The postponement was announced by Patrick Museveni Atwooki, Head of the Social Communications Department in the Hoima Catholic Diocese.

According to church authorities, the suspected patient is currently receiving treatment in an isolation unit at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

This year’s pilgrimage activities had been scheduled to begin with a retreat on May 22.

Fr. Museveni urged Christians to follow all health guidelines issued by authorities and appealed to pilgrims who had already started traveling to return home, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the postponement.

Story filed by Pascal Onega and Innocent Atuganyira

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