Uganda closes border with DR Congo as rare Ebola type surges
Uganda has ordered the immediate closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as suspected cases of a rare type of Ebola surge toward 1,000 next door. The strain, Bundibugyo, has no approved medicines or vaccines, and the move goes against WHO guidance.
Uganda has ordered the immediate closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as suspected cases of a rare type of Ebola surge toward 1,000 in its neighbour, with further cases emerging inside Uganda. Authorities announced the measure on Wednesday.
The strain involved, Bundibugyo, has no approved medicines or vaccines, which officials say justifies the precaution despite World Health Organization guidance that generally discourages border closures during outbreaks. Uganda, like Congo, has experience responding to past Ebola flare-ups.
Health experts warn that sealing a busy border can disrupt trade and the movement of aid and responders, even as it aims to slow contagion. The coming days will test whether the closure helps contain spread or complicates the response. This is general information, not medical advice.
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