The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern about the outbreak of Ebola in Africa

Russia expresses concern about the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This was stated on May 21 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, during a briefing.

"Reports of an outbreak of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda are of concern," she said.

Against this background, Moscow, as Zakharova emphasized, is ready to provide its assistance. So, on May 25, specialists from Rospotrebnadzor will go to Uganda. They will have to conduct an epidemiological investigation there and assist their East African partners in stopping the foci of the disease. Experts from the Russian Federation will take tests developed by their compatriots for the diagnosis of Ebola on a business trip.

The country where representatives of the department will arrive has received comprehensive support from Russia for many years in countering biological threats, the diplomat stressed.

"I would like to note that in 2020, two mobile laboratories were supplied to the DRC free of charge. We hope that the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda, with the assistance of partner countries and relevant international structures, will be able to stop the outbreak of the disease in a short time," Zakharova summed up.

WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Africa an emergency of international importance. What you need to know

WHO declared an Ebola epidemic in the DRC and Uganda on May 15. The number of suspected Ebola deaths later rose to 139, and the number is expected to increase.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that there is currently no risk of Ebola spreading in Russia. In turn, Ivan Konovalov, Associate Professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases in Children at the Institute of Motherhood and Childhood of Pirogov University, substantiated this statement. According to him, Ebola will not be able to take root in Russia due to the unsuitable climate and the lack of carnivorous bats.