07 Jun 2018 | 05:07 PM UTC
Angola: Government shuts section of border with DRC to contain Ebola June 6
Angola closes border with DRC in Malanje province on June 6 to contain the spread of Ebola
Event
On Wednesday, June 6, Angolan authorities announced they had closed the land border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Malanje province to prevent a potential spread of the Ebola virus disease (EVD). According to local sources, additional security forces and health workers have been deployed to the area to secure the border.
Context
An EVD outbreak is currently ongoing in the DRC; at least 58 cases were reported in Équateur province as of June 6, including 27 associated deaths.
EVD is extremely virulent. The disease is transmitted to humans via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. The disease can then be transmitted between humans and is highly contagious, particularly during the hemorrhagic phase. Ebola is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and headache. A sore throat is also a common early symptom. These symptoms are followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, kidney and liver failure, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.
Advice
Individuals in Angola are advised to plan travel accordingly and adhere to all local regulations.
