The latest outbreak of a rare strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has prompted several governments to take action in a bid to stop the spread of the disease.The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 220 suspected deaths and 900 suspected cases of the lethal Bundibugyo (BVD) strain of Ebola in DRC since Kinshasa declared the outbreak on May 15. In Uganda, five cases and one death have been confirmed.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listThe United Nations health agency raised its risk assessment from high to very high at the national level for DRC last week, but continues to assess the risk as low at the global level.Nevertheless, several countries have announced travel bans and temporary border measures to contain the spread of the new strain.Efforts to contain the virus in affected countriesThis week, the Congolese Ministry of Transport and Communications suspended all flights to and from Bunia in eastern DRC in an attempt to contain the Ebola outbreak. The Bunia health zone is one of 11 DRC health zones affected by the disease. Some exceptions, such as humanitarian, medical and emergency flights, may be allowed with special approval from aviation and health authorities.Uganda has also introduced restrictions on travel to and from the DRC. All direct flights have been suspended, while bus and boat border crossings have been halted for four weeks. Weekly markets in border districts have been put on hold. Freight traffic, essential goods and food supplies, however, are still permitted to cross. Advertisement Countries imposing travel bansBeyond the immediate affected region …
