Abstract:
Abstract. During 2016 to 2019, cholera outbreaks were reported commonly to the Ministry of Health from refugee
settlements. To further understand the risks cholera posed to refugees, a review of surveillance data on cholera in Uganda
for the period 2016–2019 was carried out. During this 4-year period, there were seven such outbreaks with 1,495 cases
and 30 deaths in five refugee settlements and one refugee reception center. Most deaths occurred early in the outbreak,
often in the settlements or before arrival at a treatment center rather than after arrival at a treatment center. During the
different years, these outbreaks occurred during different times of the year but simultaneously in settlements that were
geographically separated and affected all ages and genders. Some outbreaks spread to the local populations within
Uganda. Cholera control prevention measures are currently being implemented; however, additional measures are
needed to reduce the risk of cholera among refugees including oral cholera vaccination and a water, sanitation and
hygiene package during the refugee registration process. A standardized protocol is needed to quickly conduct case–
control studies to generate information to guide future cholera outbreak prevention in refugees and the host population.
