Mutebi, Ronald R.
Ario, Alex R.
Nabatanzi, Maureen
Kyamwine, Irene B.
Wibabara, Yvette
Muwereza, Peter
Eurien, Daniel
Kwesiga, Benon
Bulage, Lilian
Kabwama, Steven N.
Kadobera, Daniel
Henderson, Alden
Callahan, John H.
Croley, Timothy R.
Knolhoff, Ann M.
Mangrum, John B.
Handy, Sara M.
McFarland, Melinda A.
Sam, Jennifer L. Fong
Harris, Julie R.
Zhu, Bao-Ping
Article History
Received: 1 February 2021
Accepted: 21 February 2022
First Online: 30 March 2022
Declarations
:
: Because this investigation was in response to a public health emergency, we did not seek for ethical approval from an institutional ethics review committee. However, Ministry of Health gave the directive to investigate this outbreak. In agreement with the International Guidelines for Ethical Review of Epidemiological Studies by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (1991), the Office of the Associate Director for Science, CDC/Uganda (Center for Global Health Human Subject Research-CGH HSR tracking number; 2019–104), determined that this activity was not human subjects research and its primary intent was public health practice or a disease control activity (specifically, epidemic or endemic disease control activity).Verbal informed consent was obtained from the participants before the start of each interview. Given the emergency nature of the investigation and the illiteracy nature of the community, we did not obtain written informed consent. However, the purpose and nature of the investigation were explained to all participants. Participants were also informed that their involvement was entirely voluntary and their refusal to answer any or all of the questions would not result in any negative consequences. Participants identified as patients were referred for free treatment at the designated treatment centres. To protect participants’ confidentiality, personal information was de-identified during data analysis, and the interview forms were locked up.
: Not applicable.
: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.