Uganda Closes Congo Border As Ebola Outbreak Spreads

GOOBJOOG NEWS | KAMPALA/NAIROBI: Uganda has shut its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo after a surge in Ebola cases in eastern Congo and confirmed infections in Uganda, authorities said, as East Africa ramps up surveillance to contain the spread.

The decision was taken by a national Ebola task force led by Vice President Jessica Alupo following reports of increased exposure among Ugandan health workers who treated patients from Congo before the outbreak was declared on May 15.

Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases, including a 59-year-old man who died in Kampala on May 14, health officials said.

In eastern DR Congo, suspected cases are nearing 1,000 with more than 200 suspected deaths, according to officials.

In Kenya, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said screening had been intensified at all entry points, including airports and land borders, to prevent importation of the virus.

He said travellers from Congo and Uganda were undergoing enhanced checks and that surveillance systems had been strengthened nationwide.

Separately, media reports said the United States is considering a plan to establish a quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, as part of contingency measures linked to the outbreak in the region.

Kenya’s Ministry of Health said any cooperation on global health security must comply with Kenyan law, amid debate over the proposed facility.

Ebola outbreaks have repeatedly affected the Great Lakes region, where frequent cross-border movement has complicated containment efforts.