Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following an increase in cases of a rare variant of Ebola. The decision was made by an Ebola task force led by Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo after the Bundibugyo Ebolavirus strain was confirmed in Uganda, leading to the first Ebola death in the capital, Kampala, on May 14. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, with at least 220 suspected deaths in eastern Congo and nearly 1,000 suspected cases.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, including contact with corpses. Ugandan health workers have been involved in containment efforts, but there are concerns about further spread due to their exposure to Ebola patients and their families. Dr. Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Health, noted that the virus has spread to Uganda through health workers' family contacts.
The World Health Organization has classified the new Ebola outbreak in the DRC as a “very high” risk, although it assessed the likelihood of global or regional spread as limited. The closure of Uganda's border may help mitigate this risk. Additionally, Uganda has been managing an influx of Congolese refugees escaping conflict with M23 rebels, which has strained its resources.