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.
DR Congo's World Cup Training Camp Canceled Amid Ebola Outbreak
DR Congo's World Cup Training Camp Canceled Amid Ebola Outbreak
The national football team of the Democratic Republic of Congo has shifted its World Cup preparations to Belgium following the cancellation of its training camp due to an Ebola outbreak, which has claimed 139 lives.
In light of a significant Ebola outbreak in the eastern region, the Democratic Republic of Congo has canceled its pre-World Cup training camp scheduled in Kinshasa. The team will now prepare in Belgium while friendly matches against Denmark and Spain are still on the agenda. Authorities are focused on controlling the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has already led to a declared public health emergency by the World Health Organization.
