Uganda closes border with Congo as rare Ebola type surges; US builds Kenya quarantine center

Uganda has ordered the immediate closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in response to a escalating outbreak of a rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. With nearly 1,000 suspected cases in the DRC and reported infections among Ugandan health workers, the decision, which deviates from World Health Organization guidance, aims to curb the virus's spread. The border will remain closed for four weeks, limiting cross-border movement to essential services like emergency response and cargo, while requiring a 21-day isolation period for authorized entrants.

Simultaneously, the United States is moving to establish a quarantine facility in Kenya for American citizens who may have been exposed to or are at high risk of contracting Ebola in the region. This initiative, spearheaded by the Trump administration, involves deploying U.S. public health officers to staff the center. The proposed facility, which was awaiting approval from the Kenyan government, seeks to offer immediate care and minimize the need for lengthy medical evacuations to the U.S. Kenya is reportedly in discussions regarding the plan, advocating for the facility to be accessible to all nationalities and requesting additional U.S. aid.