Kotido district heightens surveillance system in the face of Ebola virus disease outbreak

7 February 2025, 12:20 pm

By Jennifer Acheng

Kotido district health authorities have stated that they have intensified their surveillance systems in response to the recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the country.

The country recently reported an Ebola outbreak, with the first case discovered at Mulago Hospital. The situation has since escalated to areas such as Jinja, Mbale, and parts of Tororo.

Dr Cerino Achar, the Kotido District Health Officer, has stated that following the death of a 60-year-old man in Kotido, who exhibited Ebola-like symptoms, but whose samples later tested negative, they have now implemented the necessary measures to detect and contain the virus, in case of any eventualities.

Achar says they have now deployed health experts at various health facilities, as well as village health teams and LC1s in different communities, whom he believes are capable of identifying Ebola-like symptoms and responding swiftly.

He is now calling on the public to observe the necessary precautionary measures, such as following the established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Paul Lotee Komol, speaking on the sidelines of the Tarehe-Sita celebrations, stated that he believes the district has all it takes to detect and contain the virus in the event of an outbreak.

Ebola virus disease is a rare and serious viral illness that can cause flu-like symptoms, as well as internal and external bleeding. Symptoms can appear 2 to 21 days after exposure, but are most commonly observed 8 to 10 days later.