Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) "with immediate effect" following a surge in Ebola cases among its healthcare workers who treated Congolese patients. The decision was made by the country's Ebola task force, led by Vice President Jesca Alupo, on Wednesday.

Dr. Diana Atwine, permanent secretary of Uganda's Ministry of Health, stated that travel across the Congo border will be authorized only for emergencies, including outbreak response, cargo, or security reasons. Anyone entering Uganda under such circumstances will be placed under mandatory 21-day isolation.

This marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC's history, caused by the Bundibugyo strain for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists. The border between Uganda and the DRC stretches several hundred kilometers and includes numerous informal footpath crossings, with daily movement for trade and family visits.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the high risk of contagion for neighboring countries but discouraged border closures. In mid-May, when declaring the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the WHO stated: "No country should close its borders or place any restrictions on travel and trade." The agency warned that closures could drive people to use unmonitored informal crossings, potentially increasing the spread of the disease.

Eastern Congo's troubled region is nearing 1,000 suspected Ebola cases, with at least 220 deaths likely due to the virus. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for a ceasefire in the region, citing armed conflict and attacks on health facilities that hinder contact tracing and outbreak response.

Source: www.dw.com