By Pascal Onega
Buliisa District – Health authorities in Buliisa have stepped up surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda.
According to Robert Mugabe, the Buliisa District Health Educator, at least 10 technical surveillance officers have already been trained in detecting and handling any suspected Ebola cases.
Mugabe told Biiso FM 97.8 that the district is taking extra precautions given its proximity to DRC, where the current Ebola outbreak has already claimed 15 lives. He said key entry points along Lake Albert Butiaba, Kabolwa, Walukuba, Bugoigo, and Wanseko landing sites are under strict monitoring, with health teams conducting thorough checks to identify symptoms of the disease.
“We want to ensure that no suspected case goes undetected. Our teams are on the ground and are ready to respond immediately if there is any alert,” Mugabe said.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases showing signs such as severe fever, persistent headache, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and bleeding to the nearest health facility.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that the Ebola situation in DRC could worsen in the coming weeks, raising fears of cross-border spread into Uganda.
Buliisa District health officials say community cooperation will be critical in preventing the virus from entering the country.
