The Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a 21-day quarantine on travellers from Ebola-affected areas in a bid to curb the spread of the disease, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
The measure comes amid a surge in the number of confirmed Ebola cases.
According to the situation update released on Wednesday by the health ministry, confirmed cases have climbed to 1,118, including 291 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15, resulting in a case fatality rate of 26%.
The outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain has affected 34 health zones across three provinces: Ituri, the epicentre of the crisis, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
Containment efforts accelerated
The decision, which follows the detection of an Ebola case in France, affects travellers within the country and those intending to travel internationally.
“This measure aims to strengthen the public health measures in place, reduce the risks of spread and ensure rigorous management of potentially exposed people,” the communications ministry said.
“The government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the population and supporting frontline teams, by conducting the response with responsibility, and transparency while strengthening all the necessary measures within the framework of international health cooperation.”
The country’s health authorities said containment efforts have been accelerated in collaboration with national and international partners.
Uganda confirms 20 Ebola cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva on Wednesday that the Ebola response had “scaled up significantly” under the leadership of the Congolese government since the outbreak was declared.
In neighbouring Uganda, a new case was reported on Sunday, the first in two weeks, bringing the country’s total to 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, according to health authorities.
All cases in Uganda are linked to the outbreak in DR Congo. France reported on Wednesday its first confirmed Ebola case after a humanitarian worker tested positive upon returning from DR Congo.
