Uganda contains Ebola as outbreak worsens in DR Congo
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has become the second-worst on record, with the official death toll exceeding 1,500. Experts believe the true number of deaths is considerably higher. The outbreak was declared in May. Congolese authorities confirmed on Thursday that the virus was now spreading much faster than in previous outbreaks. Neighbouring Uganda, which also reported infections in May, has experienced a markedly different outcome. The country’s health minister described a “moment of joy” after the last Ebola patient was discharged from hospital two weeks ago. Uganda recorded 20 cases and two deaths in total. Dr Kasonde Mwinga, the World Health Organization’s Uganda chief, said the relatively low number of casualties was not “by luck or chance.” The contrast offers Somali readers a concrete example of how preparedness and early containment can affect the course of a dangerous outbreak.
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