Symbolic imageCongo begins Ebola vaccine trial as Uganda orders quarantine for returnees
Congo vaccinated the first participant in a Bundibugyo Ebola trial on Friday. On Sunday, Uganda ordered a 21-day quarantine for citizens returning from Congo.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi announced on Sunday, 25 October, that Ugandans with a history of travel to Congo must quarantine for 21 days at their own expense. Border crossings are restricted to essential travellers such as humanitarian workers and truck drivers, and checks at Entebbe airport have been strengthened. Baryomunsi also said 60 people traced after contact with the Kenyan patient had completed monitoring.
Vaccine trial in Bunia
The first participant received Merck's Ervebo, approved against a different Ebola species, in Bunia. Moderna and Oxford/Serum Institute candidates could join within weeks; CEPI chief Richard Hatchett says the window exists because the outbreak is not under control.
Nigeria tightens response
Nigeria's NCDC, led by Jide Idris, said none of the 53 contacts of its confirmed case had tested positive or shown symptoms. It told hospitals to isolate suspected cases before laboratory confirmation and extended health declarations to all international travellers.
Dispute over infection source
Swiss authorities say the woman caught Ebola in Uganda in September. Baryomunsi countered that relatives who had visited Congo met her in Kampala, while the WHO said its information did not show she travelled to Congo.