DEATH OF BATS SPARKS PANIC AMONG RESIDENTS AMID EBOLA OUTBREAK

Several bats hanging on a tree at West Nile Golf Course in Arua city.

By Dramadri Federick

Arua city

Residents of Arua City have expressed concern following the discovery of several dead bats in different parts of the city, with fears emerging among communities amid heightened awareness about the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.

The discovery of the dead bats has caused anxiety among some residents, with many linking the unusual deaths to possible Ebola transmission, a disease that has previously been associated with exposure to infected wildlife, including some species of bats.

The dead bats were reportedly found around the West Nile Golf Course, an area known to host large numbers of bats that roost in trees. Residents say the timing of the discovery has increased public concern, especially as health authorities continue to intensify Ebola prevention campaigns across the country.

One of the residents, Canal Loti Dradria Ositre, told Radio Pacis that the presence of dead bats has created fear among community members, who are worried about the possible health risks.

He called on health and environmental authorities to urgently investigate the cause of the deaths and provide clear guidance to the public.

“What are we going to do, because these bats can fly to the Democratic Republic of Congo and others even as far as the Central African Republic, yet there is an Ebola outbreak in Congo and now in Uganda? I am scared. We need to find a solution to this situation and ensure people are safe,” Loti said.

As per Uganda’s Health Ministry, the country has cumulatively recorded 19 confirmed Ebola Cases, 14 of whom were imported cases while 5 local transmissions were captured. However, the country current admission stands at 7 cases, with 10 recoveries and cumulative 2 deaths.

However, the Acting Environmental Health Officer for Arua City, Alfred Amandu, cautioned the public against immediately linking the deaths of bats to Ebola, saying several factors could contribute to wildlife deaths.

Amandu explained that environmental changes, poisoning, habitat disturbance, infections, or other natural causes could lead to the death of animals. “It is true that we have been observing deaths of bats, especially around this compound. We need to be cautious. We have engaged colleagues from Makerere University’s School of Public Health to conduct a study on the living conditions of these bats,” Amandu said.

The Chairperson of the Arua City Ebola Taskforce, retired Major Betty Akello Otekat, urged residents to avoid touching dead bats or other wild animals with bare hands, warning that wildlife can play a role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Otekat said communities should remain vigilant and follow public health guidance to prevent the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases. “The first Ebola case in West Africa was linked to contact with a fruit bat. This shows that people need to understand the risks associated with handling wild animals. We should not relax but remain extra vigilant to contain the spread of the disease,” Otekat said.

Health authorities continue to encourage residents to observe Ebola prevention measures, including avoiding contact with bodily fluids from suspected infected persons or animals, maintaining proper hygiene, and seeking medical attention immediately when experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola.

The Ministry of Health has repeatedly advised communities against handling, consuming, or coming into contact with bats and other wild animals, noting that such interactions may increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

Environmental experts also emphasize that bats play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and supporting seed dispersal.

As investigations into the cause of the bat deaths continue, residents in Arua City are calling for timely communication from authorities to reduce fear, prevent misinformation, and ensure communities remain informed.