Ebola Outbreak in DRC: Suspected Cases Top 1,000 as Uganda Closes Borders

The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with its 17th Ebola outbreak, which has seen the number of suspected cases climb to at least 1,077. Authorities in Kinshasa reported on Wednesday that 121 of these cases have been laboratory-confirmed, resulting in 17 deaths. However, the Ministry of Health's latest epidemiological surveillance bulletin suggests the actual death toll may be significantly underestimated due to diagnostic delays.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns that the epidemic's true scale could be much larger. The outbreak in the Ituri province, bordering Uganda and South Sudan, was detected weeks after it began, and not all suspected cases are being reported. Ongoing conflict in the region further complicates containment efforts, hindering the ability to track and control the virus's spread.

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The number of suspected cases of the 17th Ebola epidemic in the DRC continues to rise, reaching at least 1,077.

In response, Uganda has announced the closure of its borders with the DRC for an initial period of one month. Exceptions will be made for health personnel involved in combating the epidemic, humanitarian missions, and food deliveries, according to the Ministry of Health. Individuals arriving in Uganda from the DRC will be placed in a mandatory 21-day quarantine, the virus's maximum incubation period, under the supervision of health authorities.

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The dimensions of the epidemic are likely much larger.

The United States has also expressed strong concerns, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the U.S. has no intention of allowing any Ebola cases to enter the country. Reports suggest Washington may establish a quarantine center in Kenya for suspected cases, particularly for American citizens returning from the affected region.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is expected to arrive in the DRC soon. Ebola, a highly contagious virus spread through close contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, causes hemorrhagic fever. While vaccines and effective treatments exist for the Zaire strain, responsible for most past outbreaks, the current epidemic is linked to the rarer Bundibugyo strain. This strain lacks vaccines and treatments and has a mortality rate as high as 50%. Historically, Ebola has caused significant loss of life in Africa, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%. The most devastating outbreak in the DRC, between 2018 and 2020, resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths from 3,500 cases.

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We have no intention of allowing even a single case of Ebola to enter American territory.