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.
Training moved to Belgium
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.
Friendly matches to continue
DR Congo are due to play friendly matches against Denmark on 3 June in Liege and Chile on 9 June in Marbella ahead of the World Cup finals.
Back at home, authorities remain focused on containing the Ebola outbreak, which has been caused by a rare species known as Bundibugyo.
No vaccine currently available
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.
Source: BBC
Also read: At least six Americans exposed to Ebola during DR Congo outbreak
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