East and Southern Africa Tighten Ebola Screening as Uganda Confirms 5 Cases

Health authorities and aid groups in East and Southern Africa have tightened screening at major crossing points and expanded preparedness plans as concern grows over the risk of new infections linked to cross-border movement. Public awareness campaigns have also been broadened as officials warn that mobility across borders continues to pose a threat. Uganda, which borders the Ebola outbreak zone in Congo, urged citizens to remain calm, stay alert and follow protective measures. The appeal came after three more new cases were detected in the country, bringing the total number of infections to five. Authorities said the first confirmed patient is receiving treatment. They also reported that a health worker who cared for the same patient and a Congolese woman were infected with the virus. In eastern Congo, suspected Ebola cases have surpassed 900, while the World Health Organization said the current outbreak has recorded 750 cases and 177 deaths.