HEALTH | REFUGEES | EBOLA

KISORO - Authorities in Kisoro district have expressed concern over the increasing number of Congolese refugees amidst fears of the outbreak of Ebola in Mubende district. 

The Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Shafik Ssekandi said they were worried that the current congestion at the Nyakabande Refugee Transit Center was pausing a high risk to the refuges and residents, just in case of an outbreak of any disease like Ebola in the district. 

He said the centre currently hosts a total population of over 13,000 refugees, adding that the district had been put on high alert. 

“We are now screening all people at all border entry points, bus terminals, refugee camps and other places to avoid any possible cases,” he explained. 

Ssekandi last week chaired the Ebola District Task Force where it was revealed that two people said to be Bafumbira born in Kisoro last week returned from Mubende district for burial that took place at Maziba Ward, Bunagana Town Council in Kisoro district. 

The people had lost a relative suspected to have died of Ebola. 

It was disclosed that the health authorities, working closely with security agencies traced the suspects and placed in isolation for a period of 21 days as the medical workers monitor their health condition. 

Ssekandi noted that Kisoro was vulnerable because of being a border district and experiencing an influx of refugees from DR Congo. 

He said unlimited movement of people from DR Congo and forth and uncontrolled functions like burial ceremonies, wedding parties, and crowds in markets and schools were likely to increase the spread of the contagious disease. 

During the Task Force meeting, the District Health Officer, Dr. Stephen Nsabiyunva, however, noted that the outbreak of Ebola in Mubende had compelled them to put in place measures to avoid getting any cases in the district. 

He warned residents to remain vigilant and report to health authorities any case of people with symptoms like high-grade fever, blood-stained vomitus and diarrhoea, loss of appetite and pain while swallowing. 

Later, he explained, the infected person starts oozing blood in every part of the body. 

He assured the district that the health department was prepared to handle cases related to Ebola with well-trained staff and other equipment to use while handling Ebola patients. 

He said their challenge was lack of fuel to help them in surveillance, sensitization and monitoring activities aimed at combatting the scourge. 

He cautioned people against handshaking, hugging, sharing clothes and washing their hands frequently with soap, Jik or using sanitizer. 

He asked people to resume observing the Standard Operating Procedures that include ‘social distancing’ and wearing of facemasks.