This follows the death of a ranger and the abduction of two British tourists by local rebels this year.

The Guardian reports that Virunga National Park, which is home to a world-famous population of mountain gorillas, has been hit by rising instability and violence in the country.

According to an article published by the Guardian, at least 12 rangers have been killed in clashes with militia and smugglers in Virunga in the last 10 months, one of the bloodiest periods in the park’s history.

Visitor activities in the park was initially suspended until 4 June, however a statement released on 4 June, by the director of the park, said the “decision had been taken reluctantly” to close Virunga to tourists until the end of the year to allow a thorough review of security precautions and reinforcement of the 700 rangers deployed to keep animals and visitors safe.

“The safety of our visitors will always be our highest priority … It is abundantly clear that the Virunga is deeply affected by insecurity and that this will be the case for some time. For Virunga to be safely visited, much more robust measures are necessary than in the past,” Merode said in a statement, describing the decision as “profoundly difficult”

However, the WHO added that in view of the available data, the overall risk is considered high at the national level due to the nature of the disease and the lack of epidemiological and demographic information to estimate the magnitude of the epidemic.

“The overall risk at the regional level is considered moderate because of the proximity to the Congo river, which links with both the capitals of the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic,” the WHO said.

Information is currently limited and investigations are ongoing to assess the full extent of the outbreak. Based on the information currently available and the rapid response measures implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO and partners, the event does not meet the criteria of a public heath event of international concern as defined in the IHR, and does not warrant the convening of an Emergency Committee.

WHO advises against any restriction of travel and trade to Democratic Republic of the Congo based on the currently available information. WHO continues to monitor travel and trade measures in relation to this event, and currently there are no restrictions of the international traffic in place.

Public health response

The Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo deployed Rapid Response Teams to investigate cases and deaths reported in Bikoro health zone in the Equateur province.
One million US dollars from the WHO contingency fund for emergencies have been mobilized.
WHO has provided technical and operations support to the Ministry of Health and Partners in the activation of multi-partner multi-agency Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the response at all levels.
Médecins Sans Frontières is setting up a treatment centre for the management of cases in Bikoro health zone.
WHO has shared risk communication materials in French and Lingala with the WHO country offices.
Active surveillance activities among the community, the Ikoko-Impenge health centre team and Bikoro General Reference Hospital are being undertaken.
Immediate logistical capabilities and needs are being established.
Wellcome Trust is providing two million pounds sterling for the critical research needed to support the operational response which is now underway in the country.

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According to FAAN screening of outbound and inbound passengers is ongoing at major international airports, as it has activated existing surveillance equipment used for combating the deadly virus disease, which spread into Nigeria in 2014 through an American – Liberian, Patrick Sawyer.

In a statement FAAN’s spokesperson, Henrietta Yakubu said that relevant agencies including the Port Health Services have been mobilised and are collaborating effectively to ensure the safety of passengers and other airport users.

Investigations by The Nation News in NIgeria have revealed that passengers on flights to West African countries are being screened at the Lagos Airport.

While there are no direct flights to Democratic Republic of Congo, some Nigerian carriers including: Arik Air, Air Peace, Medview Airlines fly into some West and Central African countries.

Some African carriers including: Cronos Airlines, Air Cote D’ Ivoire, Asky Airlines, African World Airlines, Rwand Air, Kenyan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways operate flights into their operational hubs that link Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a statement, Yakubu confirmed:” Following a fresh outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has re-assured passengers and other airport users of safety across its network of airports.

“Since the first recorded case of the virus in Nigeria, through an American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, the Authority has not relaxed its surveillance at the airports to forestall any re-occurrence.