In brief
The DR Congo national football team has canceled its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa due to an Ebola outbreak that has affected the eastern region. With 139 reported deaths from approximately 600 suspected cases, preparations have shifted to Belgium. As the team gears up for its first World Cup appearance since 1974, friendly matches against Denmark and Spain are still on the calendar. Meanwhile, local authorities focus on containing the deadly outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, with no current vaccine available.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country.
Preparations have been moved to Belgium amid the upsurge, which is thought to have killed 139 people out of 600 suspected cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the outbreak a 'public health emergency of international concern', but said it was not at pandemic level.
Jerry Kalemo, a spokesperson for the national football team, told international media that pre-tournament games in Europe would go ahead as planned, as the squad gears up for their first World Cup since 1974.
DR Congo are due to play friendly matches against Denmark on 3 June and Spain on 9 June ahead of the World Cup finals.
Back at home, authorities will be occupied with attempts to contain the Ebola outbreak, which has been caused by a rare species known as Bundibugyo.
There is currently no vaccine for this species and the WHO has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready.
