The Ministry of Transport of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has temporarily suspended all passenger flights to and from Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, amid a worsening Ebola outbreak.
Flight Suspension Details
- The suspension covers all commercial, private, and special flights until further notice.
- Humanitarian, medical, and emergency flights may be authorized, subject to approval from aviation and health authorities.
Outbreak Background
- An Ebola outbreak was declared in Ituri on May 15, with Bunia among the main affected areas.
- The outbreak has since spread to neighboring North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
- Uganda, which borders Ituri, has reported confirmed cases.
Deeply Worrisome Situation
"The situation in the DRC is deeply worrisome." — WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths have been reported, but Tedros noted that the actual scale is believed to be significantly larger.
- Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths are under investigation.
- Violence and insecurity are impeding the response efforts.
Regional Spread
- Uganda's Ministry of Health reported three new confirmed Ebola cases on Saturday, bringing the total to five.