Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect to contain an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola. The decision, made by a local Ebola task force led by Vice President Jesca Alupo, will keep the border closed for four weeks, according to senior health official Diana Atwine.
The move comes as suspected Ebola cases in eastern Congo approach 1,000, with at least 220 suspected deaths. Uganda has reported seven cases, including the death of a 59-year-old man in Kampala on May 14. While the case load in Uganda is not spiking, there has been a rise in health workers exposed to the virus by Congolese patients who crossed the border before the outbreak was declared on May 15.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, a rare type of Ebola virus for which there are no approved vaccines or medicines. This closure goes against guidance from the World Health Organization, which has advised against border closures and warned that such measures could backfire and cause the disease to spread further.
Despite the closure, travel across the border will still be authorized for emergency cases, cargo, security reasons, and outbreak response teams. These individuals will be required to undergo strict health screening.