Uganda closes its border with Congo as cases of a rare Ebola type surge

Key Points:

• Uganda has closed its border with Congo immediately due to a surge in suspected cases of a rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, despite World Health Organization (WHO) advice against border closures.
• The closure follows increased exposure of Ugandan health workers to Ebola patients crossing from Congo before the outbreak was declared, with travel allowed only for emergencies and mandatory 21-day self-isolation for entrants.
• Congo is experiencing nearly 1,000 suspected Ebola cases with over 100 confirmed and faces challenges including armed conflict, displaced populations, and poor infrastructure, hampering containment efforts.
• The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency but warns that border closures may drive movement to unmonitored crossings, increasing disease spread, and has called for a ceasefire to facilitate response efforts.
• Uganda has reported seven Ebola cases, including a fatality in Kampala, with concern over rising exposure among health workers; meanwhile, aid groups report shortages of protective equipment and resources critical for outbreak control.