Spanish mayor bans friendly between Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile due to Ebola epidemic

Ebola infection ruled out in São Paulo patient The mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, in southern Spain, banned this Tuesday (2) a friendly match between Chile and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The game was scheduled for June 9th as part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup. 📱Bookmark g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day According to the manager, the measure is a “precaution” due to the Ebola epidemic in the African country. “I have just signed the decree that does not authorize the match scheduled for June 9th at the municipal stadium between the teams of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile,” said Juan Franco in an audio recording released by the city hall. DR Congo players pose for a group photo before the match REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez/File Photo Franco justified his decision as a “health precaution”, following the recommendations of the health service of the regional government of Andalusia. The disease outbreak Health workers wear PPE in the dressing area, before examining patients in the isolation ward during their shift at the Ebola Treatment Center (CTE), following their rehabilitation by Doctors Without Borders in Munigi, on June 2, 2026. JOSPIN MWISHA / AFP According to the Congolese government, the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the country has increased to 344, including 60 deaths. This Tuesday (2), the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the number of suspected Ebola cases monitored in Central Africa has fallen in recent days, after the exclusion of hundreds of notifications that were initially investigated as possible infections. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that, during an outbreak, anyone identified by epidemiological surveillance or who seeks care with symptoms compatible with the disease is initially classified as a suspected case until laboratory tests are completed. The outbreak was declared on May 15 in the province of Ituri, in northeastern DRC. Although official confirmation occurred on that date, health authorities believe that the virus was already circulating silently in the region weeks before. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected people and can cause a severe hemorrhagic fever, with a high mortality rate.