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Article History

Received: 25 August 2025

Accepted: 7 April 2026

First Online: 16 April 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in response to a public health emergency and was classified as non-research. The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is responsible for managing diseases and controlling epidemics, and therefore, a team was deployed following the emergency. The Ethiopian ministry of health gave the permission for the investigation. This investigation was performed by following the relevant national ethical guidelines and public health procedures. The South Ethiopia public health emergency management and the Geze Gofa District Health Office granted permission to proceed with the investigation. For participants aged 18 and above, verbal consent was secured, and for those under 18, consent was sought from their parents or legal guardians. Taking part was completely optional, and participants were made aware that there would be no adverse effects if they chose not to participate. Every piece of information gathered was made anonymous and safely kept on devices with password protection, accessible only to the group.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.