The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it is actively monitoring reports of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda and is providing technical support to both governments, the agency's acting director told reporters.
African public health authorities have confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the DRC's Ituri province. Officials reported 65 deaths among 246 suspected cases to date. Separately, Uganda's health ministry reported that a Congolese man died in Kampala of Ebola Bundibugyo.
Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya emphasized the agency's experience with Ebola responses and outlined how the CDC is engaged in each country. "CDC has extensive experience and expertise in responding to Ebola outbreaks, and we are working closely with the DRC Ministry of Health through our country office to support our response efforts," he said.
Bhattacharya also described coordination with Ugandan counterparts. "This morning we also heard from the Government of Uganda confirming an Ebola outbreak there, and we are also coordinating with our country office in Uganda and our colleagues there to track and help with the outbreak there," he told reporters on a media call.
When asked about the potential effects of reductions in U.S. foreign aid across Africa, Bhattacharya said the CDC's in-country offices in both the DRC and Uganda remain staffed and equipped to respond. He added that the agency will deploy those resources as necessary to address the outbreaks.
The CDC's statements detail its role as a technical partner working through local health ministries and its own in-country teams. The agency's immediate priorities, as described on the call, include tracking the spread of reported cases and coordinating technical assistance with local health authorities.
Public health officials in the affected countries have provided the case and fatality figures cited above. The CDC indicated it will continue to collaborate with national health authorities and its country offices to monitor developments and assist with response measures.