NAIROBI. Kenya remains among ten countries the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention considers at risk from the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The list also includes Rwanda, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Zambia.
Where the warning comes from
Africa CDC first issued the classification in May. Director-General Jean Kaseya said it reflects the volume of cross-border movement between these countries and those with active outbreaks. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency on May 16.
Kenya’s preparedness
Kenya has no confirmed case. Its position on major regional transport routes has made border surveillance central to its preparedness, and authorities have kept up enhanced screening at points of entry. Countries on the list have been urged to strengthen surveillance, entry-point preparedness, laboratory capacity and the ability to isolate and manage suspected cases quickly.
The outbreak in the DRC
The outbreak in the DRC is still large. The latest assessment shows 7,911 confirmed cases and 3,801 confirmed deaths, a case-fatality ratio of about 48 percent, across 63 health zones in seven provinces. Ituri remains the main centre of transmission, North Kivu has recorded a rise in cases, and South Ubangi, a border province, is the newest affected area. The Standard reports some indicators are improving, but transmission is still active.
Uganda eases out of the response
One neighbour has moved in the other direction. Uganda has left the immediate outbreak response after completing the required monitoring period without a new case, and the UAE has lifted its Ebola-related visa restrictions on Ugandans while keeping those on the DRC and South Sudan.
Funding gaps
Money has been a recurring problem. In May, Africa CDC said it needed $319 million but had received only $30 million from African states, and Kaseya said governments must take more responsibility. The Standard also reports the United States has committed $887 million to the DRC response.
Africa’s Ebola Crisis: Latest Developments
How Is Uganda Tackling Ebola Risks?
Check out the UAE’s $10 million support and Uganda’s travel restrictions.
Why Are DRC Ebola Cases Rising?
Find the latest case and death figures across seven DRC provinces.
What Does DRC’s Seventh Province Mean?
Uncover what the latest outbreak expansion means for Africa’s response.
How Will Kenya Use Emergency Funding?
Explore how World Bank financing could address major economic pressures.
Why Is Ebola Spreading So Quickly?
Dive into the key factors behind the rapid rise in DRC cases.
