DR Congo Cancels World Cup Camp Over Ebola Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo has canceled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, due to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country.

Preparations have been relocated to Belgium amid the surge, which has killed 139 people among 600 suspected cases, according to health authorities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern,” but stated it has not reached pandemic levels.

Jerry Kalemo, spokesperson for the national football team, told international media that pre-tournament matches in Europe will proceed as planned as the team prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 1974.

DR Congo is scheduled to play friendly matches against Denmark on June 3 in Liege, Belgium, and against Chile on June 9 in Marbella, Spain, ahead of the World Cup finals.

At home, authorities are focused on containing the Ebola outbreak, which is caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus.

There is currently no vaccine for this strain, and the WHO has indicated it could take up to nine months to develop one.

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