Uganda closes border with DRC in an effort to contain Ebola outbreak

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a period of four weeks. This action has been taken as a measure to contain an ongoing Ebola outbreak. The border closure is a preventative step implemented by Uganda to limit the potential spread of the virus from the neighboring country. The duration of this border closure is specified as four weeks.

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect due to a surge in cases of a rare type of Ebola. The decision was made by a local Ebola task force after Ugandan health workers were exposed to the virus by Congolese patients who crossed the border before the outbreak was declared on May 15. While Congo is experiencing nearly 1,000 suspected cases and over 200 suspected deaths, Uganda has reported seven cases. The World Health Organization, which declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, advised against border closures, noting they can push movement to unmonitored crossings. Travel across the border will now be restricted to emergency cases, including for outbreak response, cargo, or security.