Ebola fight: Community burials, school visits halted in Rwenzori sub-region

________________

The Ministry of Health has suspended community burials in the Rwenzori sub-region, mandating that all deceased individuals undergo Ebola testing before burial. Additionally, school visitations have been halted until further notice.

This directive was announced during a press conference at the Kabarole district headquarters in Kitumba on Saturday, March 15, by Dr Archbald Bahizi, director of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.

"We are not allowing any community burial without testing the body, whether the deceased is from a home or a health facility, except those who died due to accidents or mob actions," instructed Dr Bahizi.

"School heads are also instructed to inform their school parents about this directive, which prohibits any visitations until the 21-day period has elapsed. More vigilance will be applied at school entrances," Dr Bahizi added.

Col. Dr Francis Xavier Bakehenda, the regional incident commander, revealed that 109 contacts have been recorded in relation to confirmed and probable Ebola cases. Of the 63 individuals currently in isolation, 19 have been classified as cases after 19 days since a probable case was reported in Ntoroko district.

He explained that authorities are actively tracing 27 individuals who remain under follow-up, including several patients admitted to the general ward at Bukuku at the time the Ntoroko probable case was reported but have since gone missing.

"We only managed to identify four students from Karugutu Secondary School who are under management and receiving medical attention," Bakehenda.

Bakehenda further stated that, although four districts are affected, including Kabarole, Fort Portal, Ntoroko, and Kyegegwa, surveillance efforts are being extended across the entire region to curb the potential spread of the virus.

"The most affected districts are Kyegegwa, with a newly reported case of Congo hemorrhagic fever caused by ticks, now admitted at Fort Portal Regional Referral Buhinga, and Ntoroko, with a probable case involving a mother who died, and her baby," stated Bakehenda.

He added that health facilities are still operational, although Bukuku is experiencing low patient turnout due to fears surrounding quarantined health workers and patients who are contacts of the reported case.

Dr Stephen Kalyegira, the district health officer, continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures as they intensify monitoring and response efforts.

"The public is advised to intensify prevention by using soap and water, especially health workers in both private and public settings, as Ebola manifests in many ways. Schools, especially in day sections, should also reintroduce COVID-19 measures, such as checking students' temperatures at the gate," said Dr Kalyegira.

Kalyegira cautioned breastfeeding mothers, especially those suspected of being infected and awaiting test results, to stop breastfeeding immediately if confirmed positive. 

He also advised men who test positive to halt sexual activity, as Ebola can remain in semen for 6-9 months.