The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Uganda on Monday, praising the country's 'prompt and capable response' to the Ebola outbreak centered in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Ituri province. Uganda has reported a limited number of cases, mostly imported.

Tedros noted that border screening helped detect cases arriving from the DRC, with Uganda recording 19 confirmed cases, including 14 imported from the DRC and 5 local infections. Two deaths have been reported. He expressed condolences and pledged continued WHO support alongside the Africa CDC.

However, Tedros criticized Uganda's decision to close its border with the DRC in late May, stating that blanket travel restrictions are ineffective and urging authorities to reconsider. The WHO declared a public health emergency over the outbreak, which began on May 15.

The Africa CDC reported 544 confirmed Ebola cases and 88 deaths, mostly in Ituri province. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which no vaccine exists. The fatality rate is below 20%, lower than in past outbreaks, possibly due to improved treatment and containment.

The WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518 million response plan for the next six months. Meanwhile, a US doctor and his family were discharged from Berlin's Charité hospital after the doctor contracted Ebola while working as a missionary in the DRC. He received antiviral therapy and supportive care, and no virus has been detected since May 30.

Source: www.dw.com