Virunga Park Deploys Checkpoints and Rangers to Curb Ebola Spread in Eastern DRC

Following the WHO’s designation of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Virunga National Park activated an emergency plan that includes six health checkpoints across its 300-kilometre forest corridor in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The park has deployed 40 paramedics and 80 rangers to monitor movement, provide hand-washing stations, temperature screening and first-level isolation facilities at each checkpoint.

Information gathered is immediately shared with the Congolese National Institute of Public Health for follow-up, and two suspected Ebola cases have already been referred for monitoring. Park director-general Emmanuel de Merode highlighted the park’s role in limiting past outbreaks and stressed its contribution to protecting both local communities and the endangered mountain gorilla population, which remains vulnerable to human diseases. Veterinarian Eddy Syaluha of Gorilla Doctors emphasized the importance of a One Health approach to keep the virus away from the gorillas, noting that none have yet been infected in the DRC.