KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Officials in Uganda announced Wednesday they are immediately shutting down their nation’s border with Congo as an uncommon strain of Ebola continues spreading rapidly in the neighboring country and new infections appear domestically.
The decision came from a regional Ebola response team headed by Vice President Jesca Alupo following increased exposure of Ugandan medical personnel to the disease through Congolese patients who had entered the country before officials announced the outbreak on May 15.
The World Health Organization cautioned against such border restrictions in its recent declaration labeling this outbreak a global health emergency, stating that countries should not implement travel or trade limitations. “Such measures are usually implemented out of fear and have no basis in science,” the WHO noted, though it recognized that bordering nations face elevated risks.
The WHO further warned: “They push the movement of people and goods to informal border crossings that are not monitored, thus increasing the chances of the spread of disease.” The organization specified that individuals who are infected or have had contact with infected persons should avoid international travel except for medical evacuation purposes.
The Uganda-Congo boundary spans hundreds of miles and includes many unofficial crossing points and walking paths beyond designated checkpoints.
Congolese health officials are working to control an outbreak that the WHO describes as overwhelming their response capabilities, following the delayed identification of the uncommon Bundibugyo strain after initial testing focused on a more typical variant.
Eastern Congo is approaching 1,000 suspected Ebola infections, with no fewer than 220 suspected fatalities. Congo’s health ministry reported Tuesday that 101 infections have been verified, while officials are monitoring more than 3,000 potential contacts.
Response efforts face obstacles including threats from militant groups operating in eastern Congo, large populations of displaced residents, and inadequate infrastructure.
Uganda has documented seven Ebola infections, including an initial case involving a 59-year-old man who passed away in the capital city of Kampala on May 14.
Although Uganda’s Ebola numbers remain relatively stable, exposure among local residents through healthcare workers has been climbing.
“They have families, and so the number has been increasing,” Dr. Diana Atwine, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, said of health workers.
Border crossings from Congo will only be permitted for emergency situations, including Ebola response activities, freight transport, or security matters, she explained.
She expressed concern about seeing groups of Ugandans gathering to celebrate Arsenal as British Premier League champion. The team has a large following in Uganda.
“I don’t understand,” Atwine said, urging Ugandans to be vigilant, avoid shaking hands and use sanitizer.
