The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has temporarily halted all passenger flights to and from Bunia, the capital of the Ituri Province, the epicenter of the current Ebola outbreak. This suspension, announced by the Ministry of Transport, affects commercial, private, and special flights. However, humanitarian, medical, and emergency flights may be permitted with the necessary approvals.
The Ebola outbreak in Ituri, declared on May 15, has led to the suspension of air travel to Bunia. The neighboring provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu have also been affected by the outbreak. Uganda, which shares a border with Ituri, has reported confirmed cases as well.
The World Health Organization Director-General expressed deep concern over the situation in the DRC, highlighting 82 confirmed cases and seven deaths. The outbreak’s actual scale is believed to be larger, with around 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. Challenges such as violence and insecurity are hindering response efforts, according to WHO officials.
Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing the total to five, with the Bundibugyo strain identified as the cause. This strain, different from the Zaire strain seen in previous DRC outbreaks, lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. While candidate vaccines are being discussed, their availability is still months away at best, as per WHO statements.
