Uganda closes its border with Congo as Ebola cases surge

Ugandan authorities have closed the border with Congo due to a rise in rare Ebola cases. This decision, made by a local Ebola task force led by Vice President Jesca Alupo, follows increased exposure of Ugandan health workers to Ebola from Congolese patients who had crossed the border prior to the outbreak declaration on May 15.

Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases, including a death of a 59-year-old man in Kampala. Although cases in Uganda are not spiking, more locals are being exposed through health workers.

Dr. Diana Atwine noted, “They have families, and so the number has been increasing.” Meanwhile, eastern Congo is nearing 1,000 suspected Ebola cases, with at least 220 suspected deaths.