A cholera outbreak was confirmed in Panyadoli Refugee Settlement, Kiryandongo District, following the deaths of three South Sudanese refugees.
The three people died last Thursday at Panyadoli Hill Health Center III and Panyadoli Health Center IV after presenting with severe cholera-like symptoms, including vomiting, fever, and profuse watery diarrhea.
Initially, eight suspected cases were identified, and subsequent laboratory tests at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Kampala confirmed the presence of cholera. Emmanuel Businge, Acting District Health Educator for Kiryandongo, stated that an investigation is underway to determine the source of the contamination.
Health authorities have intensified case management and surveillance efforts, while also educating the community on cholera prevention strategies. Currently, eight patients are in isolation at Panyadoli Health Center IV, and 42 contacts, including relatives of the deceased, are being monitored.
In response to the outbreak, Kiryandongo district authorities have suspended the hawking and vending of food within the refugee settlement until further notice. This directive, announced by District Communications Officer Emmanuel Murungi on February 18, 2025, aims to contain the spread of the disease.
Public health officials are urging residents to take the following precautions:
- Boil all drinking water or use chlorine for purification.
- Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.
- Cook food thoroughly and eat it while hot.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water.
- Avoid eating cold food and drinking cold, pre-packaged beverages.
The public is also urged to be vigilant and report any suspected cholera cases to the nearest health facility.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, is characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort. Authorities are stressing the importance of strict hygiene measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
