Kikuube suspends markets, public gatherings over Ebola outbreak
He revealed that health authorities are currently tracing at least 30 people believed to have come into contact with the infected taxi driver.
Kikuube: The Kikuube District Ebola Task Force has suspended all large gatherings and markets along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the recent Ebola outbreak in the country.
The development was announced by Angalia Godwin, the Chairperson of the District Ebola Task Force and Resident District Commissioner (RDC), after chairing an Ebola task force meeting at the district headquarters on Monday.
According to Angalia, one of the seven confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda is linked to Kikuube District. The patient is a taxi driver who reportedly transported the first Ebola patient from Nsonga to Kibuli Hospital in Kampala. The initial patient later died, while the driver is currently receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Angalia revealed that health officials are currently tracing about 30 contacts linked to the driver, including relatives and members of the community, as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
During the meeting, the task force resolved to suspend operations of border markets and ban large public gatherings in high-risk areas. Authorities have also intensified screening of people in border communities to minimize the risk of further transmission.
Among the affected markets are those located in Kyangwali Sub-county, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The RDC further disclosed that three isolation centres have been established at Nsonga, Sebogoro, and Kikuube Health Centre IV to handle suspected Ebola cases and strengthen the district’s emergency response.
In addition, several entry points along the border have been temporarily closed, with movement into and out of the affected areas restricted as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
Health officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with clean running water and soap, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and refraining from direct contact with individuals showing signs of illness.
District leaders say the measures are intended to protect communities and prevent further spread of the deadly virus while surveillance and contact tracing efforts continue.
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