Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in an effort to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, the health ministry announced on Wednesday, May 27.
The decision comes after the country recorded seven confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola since the outbreak was first identified in the DRC on May 15.
Health ministry permanent secretary Diana Atwine said: “Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the DRC with immediate effect.” She added that limited exceptions would be allowed for essential services, including Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, cargo transport, and security movements, all subject to strict health screening.
“The only exceptions are for authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security under strict health screening and monitoring protocols.” The ministry also announced a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers arriving from the DRC, along with increased monitoring in schools located near border areas.
The move comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to report more than 900 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak. The World Health Organization has declared the situation an international health emergency.