Uganda Stops Flights to DR Congo Over Ebola Spread
Uganda has stopped all flights to and from DR Congo. This follows Ebola spreading to a new province far from where it started.
A case was confirmed in South Kivu province. Rebel forces control that area.
South Kivu is hundreds of kilometres from the outbreak's starting point in Ituri Province. The outbreak was detected last week.
It has caused 139 deaths so far. Over 500 suspected cases had been reported as of May 19.
The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency on May 17, 2026. The strain is the Bundibugyo virus.
It is a rare form of Ebola with no approved vaccine. DR Congo also cancelled a World Cup training camp because of the outbreak.
Klear Note — Ebola is a deadly virus spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Uganda borders DR Congo, making disease spread a major concern for neighboring countries.
Key Terms 5
- DR Congo Short for Democratic Republic of Congo, a large country in central Africa
- Ebola A serious and often deadly virus that spreads through contact with infected people
- Bundibugyo virus A rare type of Ebola with no approved vaccine or treatment
- South Kivu A province in eastern DR Congo controlled by a rebel armed group
- World Health Organization A United Nations body that monitors and responds to global health threats