Uganda has decided to close its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompted by increasing fears of the Ebola virus spreading, according to the nation’s health ministry. The outbreak is most severe in Congo’s Ituri province, which shares its western border with Uganda. The closure was announced after Uganda confirmed seven Ebola cases and one death in its capital city, Kampala.

Dr. Diana Atwine, a leading figure in Uganda’s ministry of health, conveyed this decision at a news conference held in Kampala. She clarified that the border closure is temporary. Exceptions include authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian tasks, food and cargo transportation, and security. However, all those crossing will undergo rigorous health screenings as well as monitoring protocols at the border.

Dr. Atwine emphasized, “All authorized entrants shall be subjected to strict health screening,” further stating Uganda’s intention to send Ebola response teams to assist in Congo.

The border spans more than 500 miles, presenting challenges in prohibiting all movements. As of the latest reports by the World Health Organization, the outbreak has resulted in over 1,000 cases and more than 200 deaths, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO declared this situation a global health emergency on May 17.