Uganda Shuts Border with Congo to Combat Ebola Spread

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo to contain the Ebola outbreak. Only essential operations are allowed through. The World Health Organization reports Congo as the epicenter, with over 900 suspected cases. Uganda enforces strict isolation measures for authorized entrants.

Ugandan authorities have swiftly shut their borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a strategic move aimed at controlling the relentless spread of the Ebola virus. This decision was announced on Wednesday following the report of an escalating health crisis in the region.

The closure, effective immediately, will persist for four weeks and only exclude Ebola response teams, humanitarian and security operations, as well as the transport of food and cargo. Diana Atwine, a senior health official, shared details at a press conference, highlighting Uganda's proactive measures.

The World Health Organization has flagged Congo’s Ituri province as the epicenter, citing over 900 suspected cases and more than 220 deaths. Uganda, already affected, mandates that authorized entrants from Congo undergo a compulsory 21-day self-isolation to further curb the virus's transmission.