The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced new temporary travel restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola into the United States following a rise in infections in parts of Central and East Africa.
The emergency order, signed by CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya, places a 30-day suspension on the entry of certain non-U.S. travellers who have recently been in outbreak-affected areas, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Health officials said the move is intended to reduce pressure on the country’s public health response systems while authorities strengthen screening, monitoring and containment measures.
Under the order, travellers classified as “covered aliens” who have been present in the affected countries within the previous 21 days will be temporarily barred from entering the United States. However, the restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, military personnel, government officials or individuals granted special exemptions on humanitarian or public health grounds.
The CDC stressed that the measure is preventive rather than a response to any active Ebola outbreak within the United States. Officials say the temporary pause will allow federal and state agencies to focus resources on monitoring returning American citizens and residents who may have been exposed to the virus.
Public health authorities are particularly concerned about the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has recently been recorded with increased cases in affected parts of Africa.
The virus has an incubation period of up to 21 days, prompting authorities to intensify airport health surveillance and contact tracing efforts for travellers arriving from high-risk regions.
The Department of Homeland Security is working alongside the CDC and the United States Department of State to enforce the new measures at major international airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
International health agencies, including the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, are continuing containment and response efforts in affected countries.
U.S. authorities say the 30-day measure will also provide time to review long-term border health strategies and improve preparedness in case the outbreak expands further.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
