Uganda closes border with DR Congo as cases of rare Ebola type surge

AI Summary

Uganda has closed its border with DR Congo due to a surge in suspected cases of a rare Ebola type called Bundibugyo, approaching 1,000 cases in Congo and emerging cases in Uganda. This action defies WHO guidance and highlights concerns over contagion in East Africa where the rare strain currently has no approved treatment.

Ugandan authorities on Wednesday ordered the closure of the border with Congo “with immediate effect” as suspected cases surge near 1,000 in its neighbour of a rare type of Ebola and as others emerge at home. The measure, which goes against World Health Organization guidance, underscored growing fears of contagion in this East African country that, like Congo, has experience responding to Ebola outbreaks but is faced with a type this time, Bundibugyo, with no approved medicines or vaccines. A...