Morobo County Issues Public Health Alert Over Ebola Risk

(MOROBO COUNTY) – The Office of the Commissioner of Morobo County has issued a public health alert warning residents about the risk of Ebola, urging communities to take immediate preventive measures.

In a press statement signed by county commissioner Joseph Mawa Okuba on Thursday, the county commissioner raised concern over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in neighboring countries, particularly Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which both share borders with Morobo County.

According to the statement, the county faces a high risk of exposure due to its geographic location. Officials emphasized that Ebola spreads rapidly when preventive measures are not observed, making early action critical.

“Prevention is our responsibility. No one should wait until there is a confirmed case in their village before taking action,” the commissioner stated.

The commissioner addressed community leaders, religious leaders, health workers, women, youth representatives, and the public, stressing the importance of a collective response.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant, informed, and disciplined in following public health guidelines to protect themselves and their communities.

Health authorities outlined key steps to reduce the risk of infection: Wash hands regularly with soap and clean running water, use hand sanitizers where water is not available, keep homes and surroundings clean, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

The statement also called on the public to avoid direct contact with sick individuals, do not handle bodies or assist sick people without protection, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, symptoms highlighted include Fever, Severe weakness, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Unexplained bleeding.

Officials stressed that Ebola is preventable if proper infection control measures are followed. Communities were encouraged to report suspected cases early to health authorities to prevent spread.

The Morobo County administration reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and called for cooperation from all residents in implementing the guidelines.

Authorities issued a strong warning against unsafe practices, particularly regarding suspected Ebola-related deaths: Do not handle bodies of individuals who may have died from Ebola, Ebola can spread through contact with the body of a deceased person, follow official guidance on safe burial procedures and do not wash or touch suspected Ebola bodies.

The statement also addressed the dangers of misinformation: Ebola is not caused by witchcraft, rely only on verified information from health authorities, avoid spreading rumors, individuals returning from affected areas must report to health screening points

Given Morobo County’s location as a high-risk border area, authorities announced strengthened collaboration with relevant agencies: Community awareness campaigns, health screening at points of entry, rapid referral of suspected cases to health facilities, support for contact tracing teams.

The county leadership emphasized that Ebola is dangerous but preventable with proper precautions and cooperation.

“Let us work together to protect our families and stop Ebola from reaching our communities,” the statement concluded.

The commissioner called on all residents to practice hygiene, report suspected cases early, avoid unsafe contact, and support health workers in their efforts.

The message ended with a note of hope and solidarity for the people of Morobo County.