Ebola outbreak: What travel restrictions have countries imposed? | Health News
Governments Respond to New Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda
A recent outbreak of a rare strain of the Ebola virus has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, prompting a series of protective measures by various governments.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 220 suspected deaths and 900 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo (BVD) strain of Ebola reported in the DRC since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. Uganda has confirmed five cases and one related death.
The WHO raised its risk assessment for the DRC from high to very high at the national level last week, while maintaining a low risk level globally. In response, numerous countries have implemented travel bans and other border controls to limit the virus’s spread.
Efforts to Contain the Virus
This week, the Congolese Ministry of Transport and Communications suspended all flights to and from Bunia, a city in eastern DRC, which is among 11 health zones affected by the virus. Exceptions for humanitarian, medical, and emergency flights may be granted with special approval from relevant authorities.
Uganda has also enacted travel restrictions from the DRC, suspending all direct flights and halting bus and boat crossings for four weeks. Weekly markets in border areas have also been suspended; however, the transportation of essential goods remains unaffected.
Countries Imposing Travel Bans
In addition to the immediate region, Canada and the Bahamas have announced temporary travel bans affecting residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Canada’s restrictions will last 90 days, and citizens returning from affected areas must quarantine for 21 days, regardless of symptom presence.
The Bahamian government has introduced similar restrictions for 30 days, pending review.
Last week, the United States implemented a ban on all non-citizens who have traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days. From Friday, this ban was extended to green card holders as well. U.S. citizens returning from these regions are advised to do so through select airports designated for enhanced screening.
Other nations have also taken precautionary measures: Jordan and Bahrain suspended entry for travelers from the DRC and Uganda and South Sudan, respectively. No Ebola cases have been reported in Canada, the Bahamas, the U.S., Jordan, or Bahrain.
Increased Screening Measures
India is increasing screening at major international airports and has advised its citizens to avoid travel to the affected areas. The country has also postponed an upcoming India-Africa summit as a precaution. Meanwhile, Thailand will only permit visitors from the DRC and Uganda to enter through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after undergoing negative health screenings.
Mexico’s health authorities have also ramped up Ebola screenings at airports.
Assessing the Situation
The Bundibugyo strain is known for its severity, causing viral hemorrhagic fever and spreading through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Health authorities emphasize that limiting contact is crucial for managing infections.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the response includes contact tracing and establishing treatment centers, although he acknowledged challenges in addressing the fast-moving epidemic.
Despite the urgency, Tedros expressed confidence, stating, “We know this virus, and we know how to stop it. We have stopped every previous Ebola outbreak, and we will stop this one, too.”
Air Travel Safety
The United Nations has urged airlines and governments to follow established protocols for international travel, emphasizing the importance of electronic health declarations and contactless border processes. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) affirmed that international flights remain safe, advising countries to focus on exit screening for departing passengers rather than imposing strict entry measures.
As the response to this outbreak continues to unfold, officials stress the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared.
