The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national soccer team has canceled a three-day World Cup preparation camp and a farewell event in Kinshasa due to the escalating Ebola outbreak in the country’s east.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, citing at least 139 suspected deaths and over 600 suspected cases.
Congo is still scheduled to play warm-up matches against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on June 3 and Chile in southern Spain on June 9. Both are going ahead, said team spokesman Jerry Kalemo.
The team’s French coach, Sébastien Desabre, and most players are based outside Congo. Staff based in Congo are departing soon.
A FIFA spokesperson said the organization is monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Congo DR Football Association on medical and security guidance.
The White House World Cup task force said it is working with agencies on health and security matters.
The CDC has banned entry of foreign nationals who have been in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past three weeks, effective for 30 days. However, the Congolese team is training in Europe and will not be affected.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada has no plans for a travel ban but is monitoring closely.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is different from the Zaire strain, and existing diagnostics and vaccines may not be effective against it. The virus has an incubation period of two days to three weeks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak is likely larger than reported due to conflict and population movement in the region.
