Amuru district, bordering South Sudan, has intensified screening measures at border points following a surge in cholera cases in the neighbouring country.
Concerns have risen as cholera cases continue to climb in South Sudan, with over 9,100 cases reported by UNICEF in December 2024.
An outbreak has also been confirmed in the neighbouring Lamwo district, prompting authorities to close weekly and monthly marketplaces.
Amuru Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ochieng Geoffrey Osborn, has urged residents, particularly those at the Elegu border and travelers, to prioritise handwashing, avoid consuming uncooked food, and practice proper sanitation.
He emphasised that cholera, characterised by diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever, thrives in unsanitary conditions.
The District Task Force has directed health workers at border points to be vigilant, conduct screenings, and isolate suspected cases. Community members are encouraged to report any suspected cases to the health team promptly.
In Lamwo, authorities have closed all porous border points and are focusing on community awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the disease.
The outbreak in Lamwo has been attributed to poor sanitation and hygiene practices, including contaminated water sources and open defecation.
These measures aim to prevent the spread of cholera and other hygiene-related diseases within the region.
Collaboration between border health teams in Uganda and South Sudan is crucial in addressing such cross-border health challenges.
