Staff Reporter
Authorities in Kabale and Kisoro Districts are on high alert following an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda, which has claimed at least 11 lives.
As of Wednesday, Rwandan health officials had confirmed 36 cases of Marburg virus infections, with 25 individuals in isolation and 11 deaths. Given the frequent cross-border movement between Rwanda and these districts, there is a significant risk of the virus spreading into Uganda.
Dr. Gilbert Arianaitwe Mateeka, Kabale District Health Officer, announced that screening at the Katuna border has been intensified, with a focus on detecting fevers among travelers. He emphasized the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent infections. Mateeka also stated that the District Task Force has ramped up coordination efforts, holding regular meetings to manage screenings. Community awareness campaigns, sensitization efforts, and active surveillance are now underway across health facilities in the district.
“We are working closely with Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to ensure proper case management in the event of any suspected cases, as the area is at high risk,” Mateeka said.
In Kisoro District, Health Officer Dr. Steven Nsabiyunva expressed concern that the Marburg virus threat comes while the district is already battling the spread of Mpox from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite limited resources, Nsabiyunva assured the public that his team is committed to preventing the spread of both diseases.
He stressed the urgent need for screening measures at the Cyanika border, which currently lacks adequate resources for proper monitoring.
“We urgently need to set up a screening point at the Uganda-Rwanda border in Cyanika, but we are facing resource constraints,” Nsabiyunva stated.
Valentino Mubangizi, Kisoro District’s Acting Health Educator, warned that the uncontrolled daily movement of Rwandans in areas like Murora and Chahafi poses a significant risk. He called for immediate risk communication efforts to raise awareness and vigilance in these vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, Dr. Allan Muruta, Commissioner of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the ministry is mobilizing international financial support to strengthen prevention and control measures.
