Uganda has mandated a 21-day quarantine for citizens returning from the DR Congo to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.
Uganda now requires all citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo to undergo a 21-day quarantine. The health ministry announced these strict rules to stop the spread of the Ebola virus.
Also, the government banned all travelers from transit through Uganda if they recently visited the DR Congo. Returning citizens must pay for their own quarantine costs during this period.
Meanwhile, health officials increased screening efforts at Entebbe International Airport. They also added new security checkpoints at all land border crossings to monitor travelers effectively.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi explained that these actions aim to keep Uganda safe from the virus. Only essential travelers may enter the country from the DR Congo under these new protocols.
Furthermore, officials remain alert after two people tested positive for Ebola in Kenya and Nigeria. Both individuals traveled through Uganda recently before their diagnoses were confirmed by medical staff.
As a result, investigators reviewed security footage from the airport. They found no physical contact between the two infected passengers during their time in the country.
Still, the government continues to work with international partners to trace the travel history of these patients. They want to identify any possible routes of exposure or transmission.
Next, the ministry clarified that no Ebola cases currently exist within Uganda. The World Health Organization previously declared the nation free of the disease last August.
However, the minister warned that the risk remains high due to close trade and family ties with the DR Congo. Constant vigilance is necessary to protect local communities.
Finally, health workers remind the public that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. This specific outbreak involves a rare virus species that lacks a proven vaccine or treatment.