5SAI soldiers currently deployed on a one-year tour of duty in the DRC as part of the UN’s Intervention Brigade could be at risk, as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) government confirmed two cases of Ebola in the country’s Equateur Province. A mystery fever in the province saw samples being taken by health workers, confirming that it was in fact the Ebola virus.

The Ebola strain is not the same as the one raging through West Africa.

South African troops, many from 5 SAI (Five South African Infantry Battalion) based in Ladysmith, make up a large part of the Intervention Brigade. The brigade consists of close to 3000 troops, making up three infantry battalions, one artillery unit, one Special Forces unit and a reconnaissance company.