Uganda Closes Border with Congo Amid Ebola Concerns
In response to rising Ebola cases in neighboring Congo, Ugandan authorities have ordered an immediate closure of the border, while public health officials emphasize the need for controlled access only in emergency situations.
Ugandan officials announced the immediate closure of the border with Congo on Wednesday, a decision made by a local Ebola task force led by Vice President Jesca Alupo. This action follows a surge in cases of a rare type of Ebola in Congo and several cases emerging in Uganda. Health workers in Uganda have been increasingly exposed to the virus due to interactions with Congolese patients who entered the country prior to the outbreak declaration on May 15.
The World Health Organization has previously recommended against such border closures, arguing that they are often driven by fear rather than scientific evidence. WHO officials cautioned that these measures could lead to unmonitored crossings, which might inadvertently increase the risk of Ebola spreading.
In Congo, health authorities are facing challenges in managing an outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with nearly 1,000 suspected cases reported and at least 220 suspected deaths. The health ministry has confirmed 101 cases and is monitoring over 3,000 potential contacts. Compounding these issues are armed group threats, a large number of displaced individuals, and poor infrastructure.
Uganda has recorded seven Ebola cases, including a fatality of a 59-year-old man in Kampala on May 14. Although the overall case count in Uganda is not rapidly increasing, a rising number of health workers and their families have been identified as at-risk due to their exposure. Dr. Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, indicated that only emergency travel across the border would be permitted, specifically for Ebola responses, cargo, or security needs.
