Ebola outbreak: Uganda imposes 21-day quarantine on citizens returning from DR Congo
New border measures
Uganda’s health ministry announced the restrictions on Sunday as part of efforts to limit the spread of Ebola. Returning Ugandans who had been in DR Congo will face a 21-day quarantine, and other travellers who have visited the country will not be allowed to transit through Uganda.
Screening has been strengthened at Entebbe International Airport and all land border crossings, with additional checks at designated road checkpoints. Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said the measures were intended to keep Uganda free of Ebola.
Questions over two travellers
The new restrictions followed concern after two people who had passed through Uganda tested positive for Ebola, one in Kenya and one in Nigeria. Both had travelled through Entebbe airport on the same day.
Diana Atwine, the health ministry’s permanent secretary, said CCTV footage showed no physical interaction between the two patients. Officials had previously said the patient in Nigeria travelled to eastern DR Congo and only transited through Uganda.
Travel histories under review
On Sunday, Uganda’s health ministry said it and Nigeria were working to establish the woman’s movements, full travel history and possible routes of exposure. Baryomunsi noted that communities on both sides of Uganda’s border with DR Congo remain connected through trade, travel and family ties.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which is relatively rare. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, although trials are under way.
Key points
- Uganda will quarantine citizens returning from DR Congo for 21 days.
- Travellers who have visited DR Congo will not be allowed to transit through Uganda.
- Two people who travelled through Uganda later tested positive for Ebola in Kenya and Nigeria.
- Officials are reviewing the Nigerian patient’s travel history and possible exposure routes.