On Alert: Moroto Covid-19 Task Force Reactivated

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17, October 2022

Timothy Eodu-Moroto

The Moroto district Covid-19 task force has been integrated into the Ebola task force as the country continues to contain the spread of the disease to other parts of the country.

According to the Resident District Commissioner-(RDC) Moroto, Mr. George William Wopuwa who is also the taskforce chairperson, they have so far had the first preparatory meeting and the response team is set and ready.

Mr. Wopuwa said although the disease is still not reported or suspected in the region, they do not need to be taken by surprise since people travel in and out of the district on a daily to various locations in the country including those neighbouring the hotspot areas.

The Moroto District Health Officer Dr. James Lemukol said the early preparation limit the spread of the disease in case of an outbreak and ensures that most health facilities are well equipped to handle the disease.

Dr. Lemukol told Karamojanews that as a district they are reaching out to development partners including the World Health Organization to source for resources to enable them run the isolation Centre and also keep the task force running.

According to the DHO, the World Health Organization has already promised to work with the district taskforce and also provide assistance towards the Ebola response.

As of 17 October 2022, and according to the Uganda Ministry of Health, 60 cumulative cases have been confirmed, including 24 deaths, of which four were healthcare workers. There have been 24 recoveries from EVD. There are an additional 20 probable deaths among individuals who died before a sample was taken. All cases reported outside Mubende have an epidemiological link to the cases initially reported in Mubende.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a deadly disease with occasional outbreaks that occur mostly on the African continent. EVD most commonly affects people and nonhuman primates (such as Monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by an infection with a group of viruses within the genus Ebola virus.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The Ebola virus is a deadly virus that causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates.
Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after contact with the virus, with an average of 8 to 10 days. The course of the illness typically progresses from “dry” symptoms initially (such as fever, aches and pains, and fatigue), and then progresses to “wet” symptoms (such as diarrhea and vomiting) as the person becomes sicker. Primary signs and symptoms of Ebola often include some or several of the following:

• Fever
• Aches and pains, such as severe headache and muscle and joint pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
vomiting
• Unexplained hemorrhaging, bleeding or bruising

MOH GUIDELINES

The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water regularly.

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

AVOID TOUCHING EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

PRACTICE RESPIRATORY HYGIENE

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

IF YOU HAVE FEVER, COUGH AND DIFFICULTY BREATHING, SEEK MEDICAL CARE EARLY

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

STAY INFORMED AND FOLLOW ADVICE GIVEN BY YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Stay informed on the latest developments about Ebola Outbreak. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employers.