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 Dreams on Hold Amidst Ebola Outbreak
DR Congo's World Cup Dreams on Hold Amidst Ebola Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo has canceled its World Cup training camp due to an Ebola outbreak, shifting preparations to Belgium as health authorities grapple with the crisis.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has called off its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa because of a growing Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country. The outbreak, which has resulted in 139 deaths among about 600 suspected cases, prompted the national football team to move their preparations to Belgium. The World Health Organization has labeled the outbreak a 'public health emergency of international concern' but confirmed it isn't at pandemic status. Despite the turmoil, the team plans to continue its schedule of friendly matches in Europe ahead of the World Cup, where they'll face Denmark and Spain.
